Reps. Meeks, Brown, Carson and Senator Booker Introduce Resolution Honoring Black Music Month
Washington, D.C. – Today, Reps. Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Shontel Brown (OH-11), André Carson (IN-07) joined by Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), introduced a bicameral Resolution recognizing the extraordinary contributions of Black music to America’s cultural and artistic heritage. The Resolution also calls attention to the importance of equitable access to music education for Black students and supports the designation of June 2025 as Black Music Month.
The Resolution acknowledges the deep-rooted legacy of African American musical innovation and celebrates the generations of Black artists who have shaped music history. From spirituals, jazz, and gospel, to blues, R&B, hip-hop, and beyond, Black music has been instrumental in defining the sound of America and the soul of its people.
“To African American communities, music is more than just entertainment, it is a force of identity, healing, and resistance,” said Congressman Meeks. “I am honored to represent a district that has been home to musical legends such as Count Basie and Ella Fitzgerald. African American music is woven into the DNA of this nation—it tells our stories, preserves our struggles, and celebrates our triumphs. We must continue celebrating Black music and its cultural impact worldwide.”
“Black music is the soul of American music, shaping our culture in indelible and immeasurable ways. Black Music sets the rhythm of Black life and has shared our story, our joys, and our struggle with the world,” Congresswoman Brown. “Black Music Month is an important opportunity to support music and arts education, including for diverse communities, and connect Black music to the wider story of Black history, including as we celebrate Juneteenth this month. I am proud to introduce our resolution in the House with Congressman Meeks and Congressman Carson and to join with Senator Booker in announcing our resolutions.”
“Black music has always been more than entertainment. It's a pathway for truth, resistance, and cultural pride,” said Congressman Carson. “From the rhythms carried by our ancestors to the beats of hip hop transcending through today's movements, Black music has always told our story when words alone did not suffice. This Black Music Month, we honor the genres we birthed and the voices that continue to inspire justice, joy, and speak truth to power across the world.”
“America’s music history has long been defined by Black music, but Black singers, songwriters, and musicians rarely get the recognition they deserve for their contributions and art,” said Senator Booker. “This resolution honors Black musicians from Aretha Franklin to Kendrick Lamar, along with so many others who have made an invaluable impact on our cultural history. I’m pleased to stand alongside my colleagues to ourselves to expanding access to music education for children across the nation.”
The Resolution underscores the urgent need to support educational initiatives that highlight the heritage of Black music and expand opportunities for African American students in the arts. By celebrating Black Music Month, Congress reaffirms its commitment to cultural equity, historical recognition, and artistic expression.
Read the full bill text here.
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