Declare Black Music Month

Senate Resolution No. 480 BY: Senator COMRIE MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Black Music Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who seek to preserve and celebrate the musical heritage of our State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Black Music Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National African-American Music Appreciation Month; and WHEREAS, African-American Music Appreciation Month is an annual celebration of African-American music in the United States, commemorated with special performances and multi-day festivals in musical genres ranging from soul to jazz to gospel throughout the nation; and WHEREAS, Observation of Black Music Month was initiated on June 7,

1979, by President Jimmy Carter, who decreed that June would be the month of black music; since then, American presidents have continued the practice and, for each year of his term, former President Barack Obama announced the observance under a new title, African-American Music Appreciation Month; and WHEREAS, America's diverse musical heritage is a reflection of the creativity and optimism of our Nation; during Black Music Month, we celebrate the breathtaking talents and creativity of African-American vocalists, instrumentalists, and composers whose achievements have shaped our national culture and enriched our communities; and WHEREAS, For the entire span of our Nation's history, African-Americans have created music that communicates across racial and social boundaries, giving voice to the full range of human experience; and WHEREAS, During African-Americans' involuntary servitude, music often served as a means of expressing the inexpressible; when facing the cruelty of slavery and injustice, spirituals brought comfort to troubled souls; and WHEREAS, These timeless declarations of hope and faith evolved into the more modern genres of gospel, blues, ragtime, and jazz, expressed in the musical genius of Scott Joplin, Marian Anderson, Eubie Blake, and Mahalia Jackson; during the Civil Rights era, African-American musicians such as Duke Ellington, Muddy Waters, and Ruth Brown conveyed the struggles of their communities while bringing people of all backgrounds together; today, this music continues to inspire America's citizens and advance its creative spirit; and WHEREAS, Throughout the course of American history, black musicians have used their great talents to share the richness of the African-American experience and to develop a uniquely American style of music enjoyed throughout the world; in June 2017, we honor the pioneers of African-American music along with today's artists who continue their legacy; and WHEREAS, Events which provide a means of preserving a part of our rich American past and which contribute to the community in such noble endeavors as aforementioned, are held in the highest regard by this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2017, as Black Music Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.