Trump issues proclamation for African-American Music Appreciation Month

President Trump on Friday issued a proclamation declaring June 2018 as African-American Music Appreciation Month.

In a statement continuing the annual tradition that began in 1979, Trump credited the “contagious rhythm” in African-American music for bringing people of all backgrounds together and empowering “its listeners to recall memories of the past and grow excited for the future.”

“Our Nation is indebted to all the African-American artists whose music fills our airways and our homes, lifts our spirits, and compels us to think, dance, and sing,” Trump said in the proclamation. “These musicians and their legacies ignite our imaginations and prove to us that the sky is the limit.” 

“I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and appreciation of African-American music,” the president continued.

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In the statement, the president praised the talent and creativity of artists like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, Etta James and Whitney Houston, saying they brought people together through music. 

“As Etta James noted, ‘I wanna show that gospel, country, blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll are all just really one thing.  Those are the American music and that is the American culture,’ ”  the president went on. “Etta James recognized that the history and evolution of music in America reflects our country’s cultural uniqueness and our country’s commitment to protect and love every voice.”

Trump’s declaration arrives weeks after he lauded rapper Kanye West for his support on Twitter in April after West said that “the mob” could not stop him from loving Trump. He shared a photo of himself in a Make America Great Again hat.

As West faced criticism for offering support to the president, Trump praised the Chicago rapper for performing a “great service to the Black Community.”

“Kanye West has performed a great service to the Black Community – Big things are happening and eyes are being opened for the first time in Decades – Legacy Stuff!” he tweeted. “Thank you also to Chance and Dr. Darrell Scott, they really get it (lowest Black & Hispanic unemployment in history).”