IV

105TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 27

Recognizing the importance of African-American music to global culture and

calling on the people of the United States to study, reflect on, and

celebrate African-American music.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FEBRUARY 27, 1997

Mr. FATTAH (for himself, Mr. CONYERS, Mrs. MALONEY of New York, Mr.

NEAL of Massachusetts, Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma, Mr. BROWN of California, Mr. CRAMER, Mrs. MEEK of Florida, Mr. BERMAN, Mr. FROST, Mr.

MCGOVERN, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. DELLUMS, Ms. NORTON, Ms.

EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. HINCHEY, Ms. JACKSON-LEE

of Texas, Mr. EVANS, Mr. OWENS, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. COYNE, Mr. PAYNE,

Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. SCOTT, Ms. WATERS, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr.

KILDEE, Mr. DIXON, Mr. WYNN, Mr. RUSH, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. CLEMENT, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. BONIOR, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr.

UNDERWOOD, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. FOGLIETTA, Mr. MILLER of California, Mr. RANGEL, Mr. FILNER, Ms. CHRISTIAN-GREEN, Mr. STOKES, Mr.

HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. CLYBURN, Mr. JEFFERSON,

Ms. SLAUGHTER, and Ms. MCKINNEY) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and

Workforce

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the importance of African-American music to

global culture and calling on the people of the United

States to study, reflect on, and celebrate African-American music.

Whereas artists, songwriters, producers, engineers, educators,

executives, and other professionals in the music industry
2

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provide inspiration and leadership through their creation

of music, dissemination of educational information, and

financial contributions to charitable and communitybased organizations;

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 the prominence of African-American music in the

20th century has reawakened interest in the legacy and

heritage of the art form of African-American music;

Whereas African-American music embodies the strong presence of, and significant contributions made by, AfricanAmericans in the music industry and society as a whole;

Whereas the multibillion dollar African-American music industry contributes greatly to the domestic and worldwide

economy; and

Whereas African-American music has a positive impact on

and broad appeal to diverse groups, both nationally and

internationally: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That the Congress—

3 (1) recognizes the importance of the contribu4 tions of African-American music to global culture
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•HCON 27 IH

1 and the positive impact of African-American music

2 on global commerce; and

3 (2) calls on the people of the United States to

4 take the opportunity to study, reflect on, and cele5 brate the majesty, vitality, and importance of Afri6 can-American music.

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