Black Music Appreciation Month

About Black Music Appreciation Month

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Dates of Black Music Appreciation Month
2026 USAJun 1 USA Mon, Jun 1Observances Holiday 2025 USAJun 1 USA Sun, Jun 1Observances Holiday 2024 USAJun 1 USA Sat, Jun 1Observances Holiday 2023 USAJun 1 USA Thu, Jun 1Observances Holiday 2022 USAJun 1 USA Wed, Jun 1Observances Holiday
Summary
Formerly called National Black Music Month, this celebration of African-American musical contributions is re-established annually by presidential proclamation.

Created in 1979 by a decree from President Jimmy Carter, Black Music Appreciation Month celebrates the African-American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage, according to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The legacy of African-American composers, singers, songwriters, and musicians is an indelible piece of our Nation's culture. Generations of African Americans have carried forward the musical traditions of their forebears, blending old styles with innovative rhythms and sounds. They have enriched American music and captured the diversity of our Nation. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor this rich heritage.

This legacy tells a story of ingenuity and faith. Amidst the injustice of slavery, African Americans lifted their voices to the heavens through spirituals. This religious music united African Americans and helped sustain them through one of the darkest periods in our Nation's history. Years later, spirituals contributed to the advent of a new form of music: gospel. Both styles incorporated elements of African music and were rooted in faith.

The African-American music tradition also reflects creativity and individualism. Blues, jazz, soul, and rock and roll synthesize various musical traditions to create altogether new sounds. Their novel chord progressions, improvisation, and mood showcase individual musicians while also creating a cohesive musical unit. In addition, African-American composers have thrived in traditional genres such as musical theater, opera, classical symphony, and choral music, providing their unique imprint and creatively growing these forms of music. All of these contributions are treasured across America and the world.

During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we recall the known and unknown musicians who helped create this musical history. Their contributions help illuminate the human experience and spirit, and they help us reflect on our Nation's ongoing narrative.

All events on June 1st 2025