Every year, June marks the nationwide celebration of Black Music Appreciation Month – a time to commemorate, appreciate and get educated on all of Black artists’ contributions to the nation’s musical landscape. Black Music Month – a concept pioneered by cofounders Kenny Gamble and Dyana Williams – was officially established by former President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Since then, the month-long remembrance has grown to be a major staple in the culture observed by artists all over.
“Music is universal, it’s inclusive, it’s colorful, and it’s all that energy that we need to feel.”
“Kenny, Cleveland radio DJ Ed Wright, and I wanted to advocate a period of time to celebrate all those involved in the creation and promotion of Black music,” Williams told Billboard in 2015. Gamble added: “We picked June as the time when we could concentrate on recognizing and celebrating the economic and cultural power of Black music as well as those who made and promoted it.”
From hip-hop, R&B, and pop to house rock n’ roll, country, and more, Black artists have deep roots in all genres, contrary to popular belief. “I talk about three M’s: music, money, and medicine. To me, music is the most powerful,” Ciara tells POPSUGAR. “When the others can’t work for you in a way that music can, it’s just special, and it’s something that brings us all together. Music is universal, it’s inclusive, it’s colourful, and it’s all that energy that we need to feel. You need music in your life.”
Ahead, read how other Black artists define Black Music Month and honour the annual celebration.
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Ciara on What Black Music Month Means to Her
“I think it’s always a time to spread positivity, love, and good vibes. Just thinking about the journey of the state of the world, especially over the past few years and even until today as we speak, I think there’s always room for positivity, love, and cheer. Those moments, they always give us a pick-me-up so I think it’s super necessary to spread joy and good times. And what better way than to do it through music? Music is so powerful. I always say it’s one of the most powerful forces on Earth. It can give you a feeling that money can’t buy.”
Scrill Davis
Baby Tate on What Black Music Month Means to Her
“Black Music SHOULD always be celebrated, year-round. However, just like any other months of celebration like Women’s History, Black History, Pride, or Mental Health Awareness, it feels great to have that time set aside to fully bask in the glory of what is Black Music. I celebrate Black Music Month by buying and streaming Black music, taking time to discover new and old Black artists, and making music as a Black woman creative to share with the world.”
Shamaal
EARTHGANG on What Black Music Month Means to Them
“Black Music Month is an awesome opportunity to embrace and pay homage to one of the strongest influences of modern music: Black culture. An ancient influence reflected in modern times. I celebrate Black Music Month everyday, whether it’s [by] humming an old song my grandma sang as a child or blasting Lil Keed on the tour bus. Black music is ingrained in every fabric of my existence.” -WowGr8
“Black music is paired to this world like the sounds of the wind and waves crashing. Black music is global music; music that should protected, paid its worth, and celebrated at all times.” -Olu, aka Johnny Venus
Getty / Ismael Quintanilla
Durand Bernarr on What Black Music Month Means to Him
“Honestly, because I’m Black 365 days out of the year, because I’m celebrating myself 365 days out of the year, it’s cute that everybody else want to acknowledge it, but when I wake up I’m acknowledging it. So I’m always celebrating my people, what we can do, and how innovative we are. It’s our time but it’s been our time. But now, everybody else gets to see that, too.”
