“Black music is the soundtrack of our struggle and joy.” Rep. Shontel Brown? Here we go again with the Democrats’ virtue signaling. Now, they want to make June “Black Music Month.” More than forty Democrats have jumped on board with this resolution, inviting Americans to partake in the festivities. Announced on June 5, this proposal honors black music’s influence on all genres.
Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio) believes that every piece of music, from the United States and beyond, owes something to black music. She claims it transcends genres, from heavy metal to Negro spirituals. According to Brown, “Black music has shaped my life, shaped America, and influenced many music genres. Black music is the soundtrack of our struggle and joy.” And there she goes again, co-chairing the Congressional Rock and Roll Caucus and pushing her agenda.
Let’s remember that June is already packed with celebrations, including Juneteenth. Brown wants to add concerts, playlists, museum exhibits, and school programs to celebrate Black Music Month. It’s another chance for Democrats to pat themselves on the back while pushing their agenda in the name of education and celebration.
The resolution isn’t just Brown’s brainchild; it has support from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the National Museum of African American Music, and the Louis Armstrong House Museum. With 44 original cosponsors, it’s clear this is more than just a fleeting thought from Brown’s office.
The resolution calls on the United States to recognize Black Music Month with initiatives that enhance black musicians’ artistry, skill, and talent. It promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion and aims to raise awareness of black music’s impact and legacy. This isn’t just about music; it’s about pushing the Democratic agenda under the guise of cultural appreciation.
Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), another cosponsor, echoes this sentiment, claiming that African American music is the heartbeat of American culture. He proudly touts his representation of Queens, New York, home to musical legends like John Coltrane and LL Cool J. For Meeks, recognizing Black Music Month is essential to honoring the influence of black music on American identity.
Rep. André Carson (D-Ind.) also supports the measure, saying black music has given Black Americans a voice through moments of sorrow and triumph. Carson romanticizes the origins of black music, attributing it to the rhythms brought over by African ancestors and the new sounds born out of oppression. According to him, Black Music Month is about empowerment and continuing to elevate black voices in Congress.
Brown’s resolution highlights the variety of black music styles and genres. It claims black music has been crucial in the struggle for Black freedom, often reflecting the emotional toll of discrimination. This narrative is echoed by President Joe Biden, who proclaimed on May 31 that black music is a cornerstone of American art and culture. He credited black music with holding up a mirror to the nation’s reality, from good to bad.
Biden went on about the origins of black music, pointing to enslaved people who used music to express themselves when their native languages were forbidden. He praised black performers for continuing this tradition of using art to break barriers and give voice to America’s promise for all.
This resolution is just another example of Democrats using cultural issues to push their broader agenda. While celebrating black music is not inherently problematic, one has to wonder if there’s a better way to honor this legacy without the political grandstanding.
