Black Music Appreciation Month

Category: Music
Black Music Appreciation Month in USA in 2025
Image by Janine Robinson , from Unsplash. CC0

About Black Music Appreciation Month

How long until Black Music Appreciation Month?
Black Music Appreciation Month .
Dates of Black Music Appreciation Month
2026 USA Monday, June 1stBlack Music Appreciation Month
2025 USA Sunday, June 1stBlack Music Appreciation Month
2024 USA Saturday, June 1stBlack Music Appreciation Month
2023 USA Thursday, June 1stBlack Music Appreciation Month
2022 USA Wednesday, June 1stBlack Music Appreciation Month
Summary
Formerly called National Black Music Month, this celebration of African-American musical contributions is re-established annually by presidential proclamation.

Created in 1979 by a decree from President Jimmy Carter, Black Music Appreciation Month celebrates the African-American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage, according to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The legacy of African-American composers, singers, songwriters, and musicians is an indelible piece of our Nation's culture. Generations of African Americans have carried forward the musical traditions of their forebears, blending old styles with innovative rhythms and sounds. They have enriched American music and captured the diversity of our Nation. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor this rich heritage.

This legacy tells a story of ingenuity and faith. Amidst the injustice of slavery, African Americans lifted their voices to the heavens through spirituals. This religious music united African Americans and helped sustain them through one of the darkest periods in our Nation's history. Years later, spirituals contributed to the advent of a new form of music: gospel. Both styles incorporated elements of African music and were rooted in faith.

The African-American music tradition also reflects creativity and individualism. Blues, jazz, soul, and rock and roll synthesize various musical traditions to create altogether new sounds. Their novel chord progressions, improvisation, and mood showcase individual musicians while also creating a cohesive musical unit. In addition, African-American composers have thrived in traditional genres such as musical theater, opera, classical symphony, and choral music, providing their unique imprint and creatively growing these forms of music. All of these contributions are treasured across America and the world.

During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we recall the known and unknown musicians who helped create this musical history. Their contributions help illuminate the human experience and spirit, and they help us reflect on our Nation's ongoing narrative.

Related Observances

Read more about Black Poetry Day

Black Poetry Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Black Poetry Day

Read More
Read more about Black History Month

Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month and discover the pivotal moments and achievements that have shaped history and culture.

Read More

Similar Observances

Read more about National Hug a Drummer Day

National Hug a Drummer Day

Beat the drum today for this holidays that celebrates the oldest musical instrument.

Read More
Read more about Saxophone Day

Saxophone Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Saxophone Day

Read More
Read more about National Kazoo Day

National Kazoo Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of National Kazoo Day

Read More
Read more about National the day the Music Died Day

National the day the Music Died Day

On this day in 1959, a plane crash killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper".

Read More
Explore more Music holidays

Other Observances on June 1st 2025

Read more about International Childrens Day

International Childrens Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of International Childrens Day

Read More
Read more about ALS Awareness Month

ALS Awareness Month

ALS Awareness Month is a campaign to spread awareness of and raise funds for research for a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Read More
Read more about National Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month

National Indigenous History Month honours the legacy, heritage and resilience of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada.

Read More
Read more about Canadian Armed Forces Day

Canadian Armed Forces Day

Find out the dates, history and traditions of Canadian Armed Forces Day.

Read More
All events on June 1st 2025