June is African American Music Appreciation Month. Commonly known as Black Music Month, the official name was changed by President Obama in 2009. In 2016, Obama declared that African-American music “helped the country “to dance, to express our faith through song, to march against injustice, and to defend our country’s enduring promise of freedom and opportunity for all.”
Monday, June 19th, marks the 157 anniversary of the first Juneteenth celebration in Texas and its second year as a US federal holiday.
Celebrate with these playlists and events:
Apple Music: Juneteenth 2023: Freedom Songs
A throwback BMM playlist from then California Senator, Kamala Harris
Tidal’s BMM playlist curated by Dyana Williams, a.k.a. the “Mother of Black Music Month” and one of the celebration’s creators. She shared, “Black music. It is powerful. It is influential. It is everywhere. I designed these playlists to cover the breadth and depth of Black music. Peace, [and] happy listening…”
NPR Music Tiny Desk concerts. Click here to enjoy sessions with legends “Uncle” Charlie Wilson and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.
Visit Spotify’s Black History Is Now Hub for a wide range of playlists and podcasts celebrating Black music, innovation, creators, and icons.
Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music is celebrating with events all month, including its annual Block Party on June 18th and Juneteenth Community Day on June 19th.
