Before this month comes to an end, I’d like to acknowledge that June is Black Music Appreciation Month.
So, Happy Black Music Appreciation Month, Homee(s)!
To those of you who may not have heard of this or not have known about it, fear not for I am here to tell you all about it and how you can celebrate!
Black Music Month was first celebrated on June 7th, 1979 by President Jimmy Carter. Ever since people have taken time to realize how much black culture and music specifically impact American culture. In his 2016 Presidential Proclamation, President Obama is quoted as saying “Black music helps this country dance, to express our faith through song, to march against injustice, and to defend our country’s enduring promise of freedom and opportunity for all.”
As a Black girl who wants to make music, this month is very special to me. I’m hoping someday that when another young Black girl talks about this month that she mentions me as an artist she looks up to!
So go ahead and spend this Black Music Month learning about all of the amazing music genres black people have created or influenced which is everything like Gospel, Folk, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Rock and Roll, Hip-Hop, Rap, and something I just found out about called Military Music which was the music they made during the times they served in the wars.
Amazing what Black people do and how much it impacts culture. I knew we were ICONS.
I enjoy a lot of different types of music and knowing that black people, my people, have greatly influenced the music industry with icons and legends such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Aaliyah inspires me. I’m also inspired by up-and-coming icons such as H.E.R, Khalid, and the Nova Twins.
Black music is universal.
I’m proud of its impact on the world! So for this month celebrate it by listening to music by your favorite black artists!
You can listen to some of my favorite songs or “bops” as I call them below:
So again Happy Black Music Appreciation Month and go ahead and tell all your friends that yeah that music you like came from my people. As James Brown said, “Say it loud I’m black and I’m proud!”
