Title
Recognizing June as Black Music Month and Saint Paul Artists in the City of Saint Paul.
Body
WHEREAS, Black Music Month (later renamed African-American Music Appreciation Month) was established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, who designated June as the month to celebrate the significant contributions of African Americans to music, inspired by Kenny Gamble and the Black Music Association to celebrate and strengthen the Black music industry; and
WHEREAS, the first celebration took place on the White House lawn and is now celebrated in cities across the country; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, the Saint Paul City Council recognized eight artists and organizations during Black Music Month, highlighting their outstanding contributions to the cultural and musical heritage of our city; The following artists included: Timothy Wilson, Brittany Wright, Kaleem The Dream, Malik “Juice Lord” Curtis, Chadwick “Niles” Phillips, Ashley Dubose, Pavielle French, Maria Isa Perez-Vega; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul and the greater Twin Cities area have been significantly enriched by notable Black musicians who have made lasting marks on various music genres, including jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, hip hop, pop, classical, and more, thereby enhancing the cultural landscape of our community; and
WHEREAS, Saint Paul is home to many annual cultural events and festivals showcasing both local and national Black artists, providing opportunities for community engagement and cultural enrichment; and
WHEREAS, the city boasts a wide range of venues that serve as vital cultural hubs, fostering the growth and appreciation of Black music and providing platforms for artists to perform and connect with the community; and
WHEREAS, the contributions of past artists such as the iconic Prince continue to shape and influence the music industry today; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul is home to Walker West Music Academy, which provides outstanding music education and fosters a love of music in people of all ages, playing a crucial role in preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of the Black community in Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul invests in the arts, including a hip-hop summer camp called “The Saint Paul Get Down," a hip-hop music showcase for young artists (ages 14-24). It provides a platform for emerging talent to write, record, produce, and perform their music, with free studio time and mentorship from local artists. The program culminates in public performances, including a chance to open for headlining acts at the Target Stage on Harriet Island; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, the City’s Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) program provided over 3.9 million dollars in grants to support programming, capital improvements, and organizational development for many local non-profits and cultural organizations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul supports government and philanthropic efforts to fund the arts and protect the wellbeing of those who make a profession out of their art;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Saint Paul celebrates and honors the following artists and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the musical heritage of our city:
1. Walker West Music Academy
2. TruArtSpeaks - Tish Jones
3. Sounds of Blackness
4. Jerome Richardson
5. Rico "Tek" Burch
6. Jamela Pettiford
7. Glorious "DJ Huh? What?" Martin
8. Progressive Baptist Church Choir
9. Lewis "Lewiee Blaze" McCaleb
10. DJ Advance
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council encourages all residents to take part in the events and activities commemorating Black Music Month, Juneteenth, and Pride Month, to honor the legacy and contributions of Black music in shaping our vibrant community and culture in the City of Saint Paul.