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 ...
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