110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 372 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Whereas the Nation should be urged to recognize the exem-
plary contributions that African-American singers, musi-
cians, 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,
•HCON 372 EH 
economic, and racial barriers to unite people of all back-
grounds; 
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 ca-
dence 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 Presi-
dents; 
Whereas African-American musicians have played a signifi-
cant role in inspiring people across the generations in 
America and around the world with their vision and cre-
ativity by writing lyrics which speak to the human experi-
ence and express heartfelt emotion;
•HCON 372 EH 
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 dif-
ferent 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 cele-
brate the majesty, vitality, and importance of Afri-
can-American music; and 
(4) requests and authorizes the President to 
issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the
•HCON 372 EH 
United States to observe such with appropriate cere-
monies and activities. 
Passed the House of Representatives June 23, 2008. 
Attest: 
Clerk.
110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. CON. RES. 372 
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 
Supporting the goals and ideals of Black Music 
Month and to honor the outstanding contribu-
tions that African-American singers and musi-
cians have made to the United States.