Expressing support for the designation of June 2025 as "Black Music Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 509
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T21:42:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 509) aims to express congressional support for designating June 2025 as "Black Music Month." It recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of Black Americans to music, highlighting its influence on American and global culture, and encourages public celebration of this heritage.
Key Provisions
- Background Clauses ("Whereas"): The resolution outlines the significance of Black music, including its origins since the founding of the United States, its influence across genres (e.g., blues, jazz, hip-hop, gospel), and its role in addressing discrimination, civil rights, and cultural expression. It notes that Black music has shaped worldwide music, media, politics, and art, and references President Jimmy Carter's 1979 recognition of African-American Music History Month.
- Resolved Actions:
- Supports the designation of "Black Music Month."
- Honors Black musicians, creators, artists, communities, and congregations for their work in creating, promoting, and celebrating Black music.
- Urges the people of the United States to observe the month through activities that elevate Black artistry, perform and engage with Black music, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), raise awareness of its history and impact, and foster joy and understanding.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on prior recognitions, such as the 1979 presidential proclamation, but does not create new legal requirements or alter any federal policies.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may inspire voluntary educational or cultural programs by agencies like the National Endowment for the Arts, but imposes no mandates.
- On Citizens: Encourages public participation in cultural events, potentially increasing awareness and appreciation of Black music's role in society, which could promote social cohesion and education on civil rights history.
- On International Relations: Indirectly positive, as it highlights Black music's global influence, potentially strengthening cultural diplomacy by showcasing U.S. diversity.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Black Musicians, Artists, and Creators: Directly honored, with calls to elevate their work and legacy.
- Communities and Congregations: Recognized for uplifting and promoting Black music, including its ties to civil rights and faith-based traditions.
- General Public: Encouraged to participate in observances, fostering broader cultural engagement.
- House of Representatives: The resolution was introduced by multiple members and referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, signaling bipartisan or multipartisan support for cultural initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as resolutions like this are symbolic and do not carry the force of law. They align with the First Amendment's protection of free expression and cultural activities but create no enforceable obligations.
- Political: Demonstrates congressional endorsement of diversity and historical recognition, potentially influencing public discourse on racial equity and cultural preservation. It reflects ongoing efforts to commemorate Black contributions without partisan controversy, though it could spark discussions on the role of government in promoting specific cultural months.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11]
Cosponsors (47)
Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-06-12: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-12: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of June 2025 as "Black Music Month". — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (3 pages)