Title
A resolution recognizing June as Black Music Month in Nashville and Davidson County.
Body
WHEREAS, Black Music Month is an annual celebration of African American music, recognizing Black music and culture from early spirituals born out of the unconscionable hardships of slavery; to the creation of folk and gospel; to the evolution of rhythm and blues and jazz; to the ascendance of rock and roll, rap, and hip-hop and beyond; and
WHEREAS, first recognized by President Jimmy Carter in June 1979, this month celebrates the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage; and
WHEREAS, while Nashville is widely known for country music, which has always been heavily influenced by African American musical traditions, it is also home to early Black music pioneers like the Fisk Jubilee Singers and DeFord Bailey, one of WSM’s most prominent performers. The influential music bars and clubs on Jefferson Street led to a thriving music scene in the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s. A young Jimi Hendrix was part of the house band at the famed Club Del Morocco on Jefferson Street in the early 1960s and Club Baron hosted artists like Otis Redding and Little Richard; and
WHEREAS, today, many African American artists, from hip hop, rap, gospel, country, jazz, rock and other genres, call Nashville home; and
WHEREAS, Nashville’s own National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) has events throughout June to celebrate and commemorate Black Music Month; and
WHEREAS, NMAAM was first proposed in 2002 and was initially slated for construction on Jefferson Street, until 2015 when the Metropolitan Government announced plans to redevelop the former convention center site on Broadway and formerly 5th Avenue North, now Rep. John Lewis Way; and
WHEREAS, NMAAM broke ground at the 5th + Broad site in early 2017 and had its grand opening in 2020. NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the many music genres created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans; and
WHEREAS, this June, NMAAM will commemorate Black Music Month with a calendar of events celebrating the power and influence of Black artistry; and
WHEREAS, these celebrations include a Celebration of Legends benefit concern on June 17, the State of Black Music Summit on June 18, and a Museum Dedication ceremony and Juneteenth Block Party on June 19; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan County Council recognize the contribution of African American artists on Nashville’s music and culture by celebrating and commemorating Black Music Month.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing June as Black Music Month in Nashville and Davidson County and further celebrates the National Museum of African American Music and their events commemorating this historic celebration.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.