Charlie Sampson and Myrtis Dightman Ride Bulls

In 1979 President Jimmy Carter declared June as Black Music Month. President Carter forgot to actually make it official despite holding celebrations each year after. I think Jimmy just liked Black music and wanted a reason to celebrate.  

For years journalist Dyana Williams lobbied for it to be officially recognized by the US Government, and in the year 2000 Bill Clinton signed a proclamation declaring June Black Music Month. Since then, each president has held a celebration.  

In 2009 President Obama renamed it African-American Music Appreciation Month.  That’s a mouthful, so in 2021 President Biden renamed it Black Music Appreciation Month.  

The name changes, but the purpose has always been the same. To celebrate the history and contributions of Black people to the world of music, and there’s a lot of contributions.