Charles Curtis III - Politics and Poetry
Music has often been called, “The language of the soul” as the energy it can invoke can often be described as palpable, transcending language, social class or race. June should matter to you because not only does it celebrate music, more importantly if your Black it celebrates you! June is known as ‘Black Music Month’ a month were we reflect on historic contributions of Blacks to the art form globally! Black musicians, singers, songwriters, and producers, DJs, and entertainers have continuously worked to help shape and influence multiple genres of music constantly innovating their sound and evolving staying modern and fresh.
Known as the ‘Father of Rock & Roll’ Little Richard (1932-2020) would impact an entire generation of legendary artist including the The Beetles. Nigerian musician and instrumentalist Fela Kuti (1938 – 1997) , would utilize his music to encourage the people of African to rebel against corrupt systems. He would become the face of many freedom movements. Bob Marley (1945-1981), a pioneer of reggae and legendary Jamaican singer and songwriter and to relay messages of self empowerment to his people. Quincy Jones and numerous MoTown legendary artists such as Michael Jackson (1958-2009), “The King of Pop” and Diana Ross would become be cultural icons. And yes, we’re even mentioning Soulja Boy who had the entire world dancing to his tune ‘Crank Dat’ for what seemed like forever, Black people’s contribution to music can never be understated whether that be sparking a movement or getting the world to dance.
June is the month to acknowledge all of these people and so many more! Black music is more than Rap, and while Rap genre is equally important to our culture June is the time to reflect, discover, and fall in love with all music that has been orchestrated by Black creatives. Blacks have amazing range pioneering Rock and Roll, Reggae, Hip Hop and RNB while excelling in classical, jazz, contemporary and just about all genres of music.
June is the month to acknowledge all of these people and so many more! Black music is more than Rap, and while Rap genre is equally important to our culture June is the time to reflect, discover, and fall in love with all music that has been orchestrated by Black creatives. Blacks have amazing range pioneering Rock and Roll, Reggae, Hip Hop and RNB while excelling in classical, jazz, contemporary and just about all genres of music.
Now that we know why June is so important to us as members of the Black community -who do we have to thank for seeing to it that we take the that we take the time to remember our cultural and historic significance to the genre? Well if you’re from Camden, NJ you don’t have to look for far to find the roots of Black History Month. That’s right Kenny Gamble, (1945) was born Philadelphia and is known as the “Father of Black Music Month”. Kenny Gamble is record producer, songwriter and 1/2 of legendary duo ‘Gamble & Huff’ was instrumental in initiating what we now recognize as Black Music Month. Gamble, alongside Dyana Williams a music activist, radio personality, and known as the ‘Godmother of Black Music Month’, and Cleveland DJ Ed Wright would be the trio to meet with President Jimmy Carter on June 7th, 1979 to initiate the first Black Music Month. While it would be recognized by President Carter, it would not be until Pennsylvania Congressman Chaka Fattah partnering with Dyana to draft and introduce the African American Music Bill to Congress would National Black Music Month be officially recognized with the Congress passing House Resolution 509. President Bill Clinton would officiate the resolution in 2000 with the signing of the proclamation. Finally in 2016, it would take on its current name as President Barack Obama would rename the commemorative month from ‘National Music Month’ to ‘Black Music Month’ reigniting interest in the and acknowledgment of Black musical artists.
So now that we know the importance of June let’s take the time to support Black artistry. We’re just to give you a push in the right direction we’re including names of some Camden artists past and present you should keep your eyes and more importantly your ears on -Mir Fontane, Sol Chyld, Chase Gamble, Cianni Abri, Mike Rexx, Richard Holmes, The Ebonys, Eric Lewis, Tye Tribett, Remey Williams, Amax, H3O and so much more! June is the time to celebrate, it’s the time to vibe, it’s the time to dance, it’s the time to sing, it’s the time to remember, it’s the time to be you!
So now that we know the importance of June let’s take the time to support Black artistry. We’re just to give you a push in the right direction we’re including names of some Camden artists past and present you should keep your eyes and more importantly your ears on -Mir Fontane, Sol Chyld, Chase Gamble, Cianni Abri, Mike Rexx, Richard Holmes, The Ebonys, Eric Lewis, Tye Tribett, Remey Williams, Amax, H3O and so much more! June is the time to celebrate, it’s the time to vibe, it’s the time to dance, it’s the time to sing, it’s the time to remember, it’s the time to be you!
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