Title
Recognizing June 2026 as Black Music Month in the City of Saint Paul and Honoring the Third Annual Black Music Month Honorees.
Body
WHEREAS, Black Music Month, later renamed African American Music Appreciation Month, was established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter following advocacy from Kenny Gamble, Dyana Williams, Ed Wright, and the Black Music Association to recognize, celebrate, and strengthen the contributions of Black artists and the Black music industry; and
WHEREAS, the first national celebration was held on the White House lawn and has since grown into a nationwide observance honoring the profound influence of Black music on American culture and society; and
WHEREAS, Black music is among the most influential cultural contributions in the history of the United States, serving as a source of creativity, innovation, healing, resistance, spiritual expression, storytelling, and community building across generations; and
WHEREAS, the sounds born from Black communities including: spirituals, gospel, blues, jazz, soul, rhythm and blues, funk, hip hop, house, Afrobeat, classical, and contemporary genres. These genres have shaped music throughout the world and inspired movements and global marketing campaigns; and
WHEREAS, music has long served as a bridge between generations, preserving culture, documenting history, uplifting communities, and providing hope during times of uncertainty and adversity; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint have been enriched by generations of Black musicians, composers, vocalists, producers, educators, DJs, promoters, and cultural institutions whose contributions have strengthened and activated the commercial corridors and public spaces; and
WHEREAS, the legacy of Saint Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood and Black cultural communities continues to influence and inspire artists whose work reflects the resilience, creativity, and excellence of Black culture; and
WHEREAS, Saint Paul is home to a vibrant ecosystem of artists, venues, churches, festivals, arts organizations, music educators, cultural institutions, and community leaders that cultivate and sustain the arts throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul continues to invest in arts and culture through youth development programs, public performances, cultural initiatives, grants, and partnerships that support artists and strengthen the creative economy; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, the Saint Paul City Council established an annual Black Music Month recognition program and honored Timothy Wilson, Brittany Wright, Kaleem The Dream, Malik "Juice Lord" Curtis, Chadwick "Niles" Phillips, Ashley DuBose, Pavielle French, and Maria Isa Perez-Vega for their contributions to the musical and cultural life of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, the Saint Paul City Council expanded the celebration by honoring Walker West Music Academy, TruArtSpeaks, Sounds of Blackness, DJ Advance, Progressive Baptist Church Choir, Lewiee Blaze, Jerome Treadwell, Tek Burch, Jamela Pettiford, and Glorious L. Martin; and
WHEREAS, 2026 marks the Third Annual Saint Paul City Council Black Music Month Celebration, continuing the City's commitment to honoring artists, culture bearers, institutions, educators, and community leaders who preserve and advance Black music; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council hereby proclaims June 2026 as Black Music Month in the City of Saint Paul; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the former honorees group has established the following recognition categories:
The Living Legacy Award, recognizing an individual whose decades of contributions have left an enduring impact on Black music, culture, and community;
The Rhythm & Roots Award, recognizing an organization, educator, mentor, historian, or culture keeper dedicated to preserving, teaching, and advancing Black musical traditions;
The Next Verse Award, recognizing an emerging artist whose talent, creativity, and impact represent the future of Black music;
The Sound Alchemist Award, recognizing a musician, producer, composer, vocalist, bandleader, or DJ whose artistry transforms sound into culture and connection;
The Stage Builder Award, recognizing a curator, venue, promoter, producer, or organizer who creates spaces where Black music and artists can thrive;
The Community Harmony Award, recognizing an individual or group that uses music to heal, unite, inspire, and strengthen community; and
The 651 Sound Award, recognizing an artist whose work authentically represents Saint Paul, elevates its neighborhoods, and carries the city's culture and identity to broader audiences; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the former honoree group made nominations and made final determination b
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Saint Paul City Council celebrates the Third Annual Black Music Month Honorees and expresses its gratitude for their extraordinary contributions to the cultural vitality, artistic excellence, and musical heritage of Saint Paul
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council encourages all residents to support local artists, attend cultural events, learn about the history of Black music, and celebrate the generations of musicians, educators, institutions, and culture bearers whose contributions continue to enrich Saint Paul and communities around the world.