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Donald Trump has proclaimed June 2017 as African-American Music Appreciation Month.
Donald Trump's proclamation came Wednesday afternoon in a statement from the White House. "During June, we pay tribute to the contributions African Americans have made and continue to make to American music," the statement begins. "The indelible legacy of these musicians who have witnessed our Nation's greatest achievements, as well as its greatest injustices gives all Americans a richer, deeper understanding of American culture. Their creativity has shaped every genre of music, including rock and roll, rhythm and blues, jazz, gospel, hip hop, and rap."
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The statement then honors the recent passing of Chuck Berry, accurately referring to the iconic artist as one of the "founding fathers" of rock and roll, as well as highlighting Dizzy Gillespie and Ella Fitzgerald.
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"The contributions of Berry, Gillespie, Fitzgerald, and other African-American musicians shine as examples of how music can bring us together," the proclamation concludes. "These musicians also remind us of our humanity and of our power to overcome. They expressed the soul of blues, gospel, and rock and roll, which has so often captured the hardships of racism and injustices suffered by African Americans, as well as daily joys and celebrations. Their work highlights the power music has to channel the human experience, and they remain a testament to the resilience of all freedom-loving people. We are grateful for their contribution to the canon of great American art."
The parts taken from the statement have been edited, but you can view it in its entirety here, where you can try and find the error.
