Booker, Meeks, Kamlager-Dove Introduce Resolution Honoring African American Musical Heritage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representatives Gregory Meeks (N.Y.-05) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) introduced a bicameral resolution recognizing the contributions of African American music to America’s musical heritage, addressing the need for greater access to music education for African American students, and supporting the designation of June 2023 as African American Music Appreciation Month.

The bill acknowledges the legacy of African American music and honors the legendary Black musicians and artists who have greatly contributed to music history. Genres such as spirituals, jazz, ragtime, blues, forms of classical composition emerged from the revolutionary talents of African Americans and the hard work of these trailblazing artists.

“From jazz and blues to R&B and hip-hop, African American music continues to shape the fabric of our nation’s culture and society,” said Senator Booker. “Despite the outsized influence it has in the United States, African American music education is largely absent in our school curriculums. This resolution will not only recognize the immense contributions Black musicians have made to our nation, but will also expand access to music education so our children can appreciate and build upon our nation’s rich history of music.”

“To African American communities, music is more than just entertainment, it has the power to heal, to empower, and to inspire change,” said Representative Meeks. “I am honored to serve a district that was home to iconic musicians such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and James Brown, and continues to be filled with creativity and artistic passion. Throughout history, African Americans have used music to connect to a rich African heritage and as a vehicle for expression in the face of subjugation and oppression. The spirit and influence of African American music continues to be deeply entrenched in the soul of our communities, our nation, and our world.”

“I am glad to join Congressman Meeks and Senator Booker in introducing this resolution recognizing African American Music Appreciation Month,” said Representative Kamlager-Dove. “Our music has been a source of strength during the darkest chapters of American history. It has been the way our ancestors celebrated and mourned for centuries, and it is how we continue to express ourselves and exert our resilience. We must continue to uplift the work of Black artists and shine a light on their importance and integral influence on the music industry and American culture.”

This Resolution reaffirms the effort to educate students about the heritage of Black culture in music and the need for African American students to have access to music education.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.