123STA T . 3 658PROCL A M AT I O N 838 9—JU N E 2 , 2 0 09 Throug h Ame r iC or psand o t her programs and partnerships ,w e c an continue our N ation ’ s proud tradition o f ser v ice and respect for the en - vironment . Americans are fortunate to have so man yb eautifu l natural wonders and open spaces. I encourage all in our Nation to en j oy these resources and to help protect them for future generations. Together, we can carry forward our Nation’s proud tradition of admiration and preservation of the great outdoors. N OW ,T HER E F ORE, I, B ARAC K OBA M A, P resident of the U nited S tates of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim J une 20 0 9 as G reat Outdoors Month. I encourage all Americans to spend more time outside and to participate in the nationwide events mar k ing this occasion. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our L ord two thousand nine, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- third. BARACK OBAMA Proclam a ti o n83 8 9 o fJu n e2, 2 0 09 African- A me rican Mus icA p precia t i o n Mont h,20 0 9BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation 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. D uring 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 his- tory. Y ears 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 indi- vidualism. Blues, ja z z, soul, and rock and roll synthesize various musi- cal traditions to create altogether new sounds. Their novel chord pro- gressions, improvisation, and mood showcase individual musicians while also creating a cohesive musical unit. In addition, African-Amer- ican composers have thrived in traditional genres such as musical the- ater, opera, classical symphony, and choral music, providing their uni q ue imprint and creatively growing these forms of music. All of these contributions are treasured across America and the world.
