[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
[H. Con. Res. 372 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
2d Session
H. CON. RES. 372
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 24 (legislative day, June 23), 2008
Received and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions
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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Supporting the goals and ideals of Black Music Month and to honor the
outstanding contributions that African-American singers and musicians
have made to the United States.
Whereas the Nation should be urged to recognize the exemplary contributions that
African-American singers, musicians, and composers have made both to the
United States and the world;
Whereas the music of African-Americans is the music of America, and has
historically transcended social,
economic, and racial barriers to unite people of all backgrounds;
Whereas artists, songwriters, producers, engineers, educators, executives, and
other professionals in the music industry provide inspiration and
leadership through their creation of music;
Whereas African-American music is indigenous to the United States and originates
from African genres of music;
Whereas African-American genres of music such as gospel, blues, jazz, rhythm and
blues, rap, and hip-hop have their roots in the African-American
experience;
Whereas African-American music has a pervasive influence on dance, fashion,
language, art, literature, cinema, media, advertisements, and other
aspects of culture;
Whereas Black music has helped African-Americans endure great suffering and
overcome injustice with courage and faith;
Whereas civil rights demonstrators often marched to the cadence of many songs
written and composed as gospels or spirituals that were created on the
fields of slaves;
Whereas June was first declared as Black Music Month in 1979 by President Carter
and has yearly been designated as National Black Music Month by all
concurrent Presidents;
Whereas African-American musicians have played a significant role in inspiring
people across the generations in America and around the world with their
vision and creativity by writing lyrics which speak to the human
experience and express heartfelt emotion;
Whereas producers of African-American music have come to be known as some of the
greatest musical talents who have enriched our culture and continue to
influence fellow musicians today;
Whereas African-American musicians have helped shape our national character and
have become an important part of our musical heritage; and
Whereas African-American music has millions of fans of different races and ages
in cities and towns all across the United States: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring),
That Congress--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of Black Music Month;
(2) honors the outstanding contributions that African-
American singers, musicians, composers, and producers have made
to this country;
(3) calls on the people of the United States to take the
opportunity to study, reflect on, and celebrate the majesty,
vitality, and importance of African-American music; and
(4) requests and authorizes the President to issue a
proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to
observe such with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Passed the House of Representatives June 23, 2008.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk.