Presidential Documents

30131 

Federal Register 

Vol. 86, No. 107 

Monday, June 7, 2021 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 10220 of June 1, 2021 

Black Music Appreciation Month, 2021 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Throughout our history, there has been no richer influence on the American 

songbook than Black music and culture. From early spirituals born out 

of the unconscionable hardships of slavery; to the creation of folk and 

gospel; to the evolution of rhythm and blues and jazz; to the ascendance 

of rock and roll, rap, and hip-hop—Black music has shaped our society, 

entertained and inspired us, and helped write and tell the story of our 

Nation. 

During Black Music Appreciation Month, we honor the innovative artists 

whose musical expressions move us, brighten our daily lives, and bring 

us together. Across the generations, Black music has pioneered the way 

we listen to music while preserving Black cultural traditions and sharing 

the unique experiences of the Black community. Black artists have dramatically influenced what we all hear and feel through music—joy and sadness, 

love and loss, pride and purpose. 

Black music has always stood on its own—a beacon of resilience and resistance—while at the same time helping to shape countless other musical 

and cultural traditions. From the syncopated rhythms of jazz to the soulful 

expressions of R&B, Black music spans an extraordinarily broad spectrum 

of genres and styles. The distinct voices and instruments of Black artists 

have filled the halls of the Apollo Theater in New York City, Preservation 

Hall in New Orleans, the Fillmore in San Francisco, and other iconic venues 

throughout the United States and around the world, energizing audiences 

and inspiring millions. The music created and expressed by Black communities has paved the way for generations of musicians across all races, 

creeds, colors, religions, sexual orientations, and identities. The creativity 

and spirit of Black music is everywhere, and our Nation and the world 

are richer for it. 

This month, we also honor the many important contributors to our Nation’s 

musical heritage that are no longer with us. And although they have taken 

their final bows, their musical legacies and influence will live on in our 

hearts and souls, and inspire a new generation of artists and fans. 

In appreciating the indelible contributions of Black Americans to the music 

landscape, we must also recognize the crisis of racial inequity that Black 

Americans have faced in America for centuries—a crisis that is often reflected 

and challenged in Black music. We must rededicate ourselves to rooting 

out systemic racism from every part of our society, and work together 

to advance racial justice and equity. In the music industry, that work includes 

identifying and eliminating barriers that Black creatives face in producing 

and maintaining ownership of their music and other creations. In this month 

of June, we celebrate the Black music that has shaped and enlivened our 

lives and our country, and recommit ourselves to advancing racial equity 

for artists—and for everyone. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States 

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2021 as Black 

Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all 


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30132 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 107 / Monday, June 7, 2021 / Presidential Documents 

the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate 

activities and programs that raise awareness and appreciation of Black music. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 

June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth. 

[FR Doc. 2021–11968 

Filed 6–4–21; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3295–F1–P 


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