President Barack Obama has officially announced that June 2016 is "African-American Music Appreciation Month," an initiative that actually started back in 1979 during Jimmy Carter's presidency.
President Carter initially declared June "Black Music Month" but President Obama changed the name when he came into office and has been an advocate for it ever since.
Obama, who is a noted Kendrick Lamar fan, is calling upon all public officials, educators and the people of the U.S.A to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and appreciation of music that is composed, performed and arranged by African Americans.
An excerpt from the Presidential Proclamation reads:
This month, we celebrate the music that reminds us that our growth as a Nation and as people is reflected in our capacity to create great works of art. Let us recognize the performers behind this incredible music, which has compelled us to stand up -- to dance, to express our faith through song, to march against injustice, and to defend our country's enduring promise of freedom and opportunity for all.
[Via]
