Title
Declaring June as Black Music Month in the City of Saint Paul.
Body
WHEREAS, Black Music Month, celebrated annually in June, was established to recognize and honor the profound contributions of Black musicians, composers, and artists to the music industry and to American culture as a whole; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Paul and the greater Twin Cities area have been significantly enriched by the talents and contributions of Black artists, both past and present; and
WHEREAS, notable Black musicians from St. Paul and the Twin Cities have made indelible marks on various music genres, including jazz, blues, gospel, R&B, hip hop, and more, thereby enhancing the cultural landscape of our community; and
WHEREAS, annual events such as the Twin Cities Jazz Festival and the Selby Avenue Jazz Festival celebrate the vibrant jazz heritage of the Twin Cities, showcasing both local and national Black artists, and providing opportunities for community engagement and cultural enrichment; and
WHEREAS, iconic venues such as Urban Lights, Arnelia's, Minnesota Music Cafe, Amsterdam Bar, Penumbra Theater, Xcel Energy Center and the world famous Ordway Center for Performing Arts 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, artists such as Prince, one of the most iconic and influential musicians of all time, who brought global attention to the Twin Cities with his unique sound and exceptional artistry; and
WHEREAS, the contributions of past artists such as Irv Williams, Cornbread Harris, Sonny Knight, Roberta Davis end of the millennium artists such as Mint Condition and Next and contemporary artists like Chadwick “Niles” Phillips,Ashley Dubose, Maria Isa Perez-Vega, Pavielle French, Sounds of Blackness & St. Paul Central alum Heiruspecs, continue to shape and influence the music industry today; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Paul is home to esteemed music education institutions such as Walker West Music Academy, which provides outstanding music education and fosters a love of music in young people, and the High School for Recording Arts, which offers innovative educational opportunities and nurtures the next generation of music industry professionals; and
WHEREAS, these institutions play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of the Black community in St. Paul, ensuring that the legacy of Black music remains vibrant and influential for future generations; and
WHEREAS, the City of St. Paul is invested in the arts, including a hip-hop summer camp run by St. Paul Parks & Recreation that provides Free Studio Time at the Teen Tech Center, production/recording and performance instruction, mentorship from Terell X aka Carnage the Executioner and an opportunity to perform at multiple events all around St. Paul.
WHEREAS, the Cultural STAR program provided grants for arts and cultural programming and organizations within the City of Saint Paul. In 2023, Cultural Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) Grant Program awards providing nearly 1.3 million dollars to support programming, capital improvements & organizational development for many local non-profits and cultural organizations
WHEREAS, celebrating Black Music Month provides an opportunity for the City of St. Paul to acknowledge and honor the significant cultural, artistic, and educational contributions of Black musicians to our community and beyond;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of St. Paul does hereby declare June as Black Music Month in the City of St. Paul and honors artists Timothy Wilson, Brittany Wright, Kaleem The Dream, Malik “Juice Lord” Curtis, Chadwick “Niles” Phillips, Ashley Dubose, Pavielle French, Maria Isa Perez-Vega; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City encourages all residents to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black musicians, to support local Black artists and music education institutions, and to participate in events and activities that honor the rich legacy of Black music in our community.