2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE
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2021 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 71
July 26, 2021 - Introduced by Representatives L. MYERS, BOWEN, HAYWOOD, DRAKE,
MOORE OMOKUNDE, BALDEH, STUBBS, ALLEN, BROSTOFF, BILLINGS, SNODGRASS,
EMERSON, VRUWINK, S. RODRIGUEZ, NEUBAUER, HEBL, CONLEY, HONG, ANDRACA,
HESSELBEIN, SINICKI, MILROY, SPREITZER, SUBECK, SHELTON, ARMSTRONG,
SHANKLAND, BRANDTJEN, CONSIDINE, HINTZ and VINING, cosponsored by
Senators L. TAYLOR, JOHNSON, CARPENTER, AGARD, WIRCH and LARSON.
Referred to Committee on Rules.
1 Relating to: recognizing June 2021 as Black Music Month in the state of Wisconsin.
2 Whereas, President Jimmy Carter first recognized Black Music Month in June
3 1979 at the urging of Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams; and
4 Whereas, President Bill Clinton formally declared June as Black Music Month
5 in 2000; and
6 Whereas, Black singers, songwriters, musicians, sound engineers, composers,
7 record producers, disc jockeys, promoters, industry executives, and music educators
8 have shaped American music and transmitted it across the globe; and
9 Whereas, the experiences of Black Americans have driven musical genres like
10 jazz, gospel, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, soul, hip hop, and rap; and
11 Whereas, the contributions of Black artists—from Lead Belly, Mahalia
12 Jackson, and Nat King Cole to Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Beyoncé—have established
13 an indelible legacy in this country; and
14 Whereas, Black music has influenced American literature, dance, fashion,
15 theater, film, and visual arts; and
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1 Whereas, the state of Wisconsin is home to many Black musicians who have
2 gone on to make substantial contributions to the music industry on the world stage,
3 including Baby Drew, Clyde Stubblefield, Durrell “Tank” Babbs, Ronda Felton, Carl
4 Allen, Dr. Wallace McClain Cheatham, Leotha Stanley, and Frances Russ; and
5 Whereas, Black music supports various industries and enhances the domestic
6 economy; and
7 Whereas, Black music is a source of power, pride, inspiration, and unity in
8 communities of all races and backgrounds; now, therefore, be it
9 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the
10 Wisconsin Legislature recognize June 2021 as Black Music Month in the state of
11 Wisconsin.
12 (END)