June is Black Music Month
It was on June 7, 1979, that (then) President Jimmy Carter would decree that June would be the month of celebration for Black Music.
The month of June has always been one of my favorite months of the year. The changing of the season not only meant the transition to warm weather, but it also represented the celebration of the musical contributions made by African American musicians, singers, and song writers who have influenced all genres of music in America and worldwide.
The steps to creating BLACK MUSIC MONTH were initially founded when music producer Kenneth Gamble (of the production team Gamble & Huff, co-founder of Philadelphia International Records) formed the organization called the Black Music Association in 1978 with Ed Wright (Cleveland radio DJ/entertainment industry executive), and Dyana Williams (media strategist/radio and music industry professional/ journalist, community activist). It was on June 7, 1979, that (then) President Jimmy Carter would decree that June would be the month of celebration for Black Music. In fact, 2025 marks 46 years in celebration of Black Music Month (aka Black Music Appreciation Month and African American Music Appreciation Month).
Two of my favorite quotes on the importance of Black Music Month came from a DJ and a vocalist, both, with roots and connections to SNJ:
DJ ILL NINO (Radio DJ for GOTTA LOVE ME RADIO, Podcast DJ/Co-Host for the WHY NOT Podcast, Fleet DJs R&B Division Manager, and consecutive Southern Entertainement Awards Winner: Best Skills/Blend DJ Of the Year): "My perspective on Black Music Month is, I think it's an important thing. Being a DJ, learning and appreciating Black Music Month is a great thing to do and I think everybody out there should make it their goal this month to at least give 10 new songs (songs of 2025) a good listen. I think, that many times, we only appreciate music we already know and like. So, people should give some of these new artists and songs a chance. Some things you may not like, or may not THINK you like, but give those songs a chance. There's a lot of good music out there."
Jay Farmer aka The Empress (singer, lead and background vocalist for the Reggae band The Burnsiders): "The importance of Black Music Month? How about we say the importance of Back Music, period. Black Music is our lifeline; it is our life's blood. It is a gift from God to us. Black Music has seen us through time and time again. It is the reason we are here; we are carried on the notes of our ancestors. The importance and relevance of having Black Music Month is very, very necessary because it cannot and will not be denied. Black Music touches everything. Personally speaking, to be blessed to carry or be one of the carriers of the message of Black Music is an honor. Evolution requires Black Music."
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