On May 3, 1980, musician and cultural advocate Kenny Gamble met with political leaders to push for the official recognition of June as Black Music Month. Although President Jimmy Carter formally proclaimed it later that year, the groundwork began with this pivotal May meeting. Black Music Month honors the immeasurable contributions of African Americans to music genres including jazz, gospel, blues, R&B, hip-hop, and rock and roll. It institutionalized a national celebration of Black creativity and cultural impact, highlighting a central pillar of American—and global—artistic life.
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