President Obama Proclaims June 2016 as 'African-American Music Appreciation Month'

United States President Barack Obama has officially declared this month as "African-American Music Appreciation Month." The announcement was made yesterday by the president in a Presidential Proclamation.

As detailed in the proclamation, released online by the White House's Office of the Press Secretary, the President proudly states that African-American music is at the heart of our country's artistic evolution, having historically established itself as a powerful cultural force:

"A vital part of our Nation's proud heritage, African-American music exemplifies the creative spirit at the heart of American identity and is among the most innovative and powerful art the world has ever known. It accompanies us in our daily lives, and it has rung out at turning points in our history and demonstrated how our achievements as a culture go hand-in-hand with our progress as a Nation."

In addition to respected historical performers and catalog artists, Obama has also been a champion of today's new crop of young African-American musical talent. In April, the President met with a group of artists including Pusha T, Janelle Monáe and Chance the Rapper to discuss his "My Brother's Keeper" initiative -- a program created to initiate educational and artistic opportunities for young people of color in achieving their full potential.

The president is also widely reported to be a big fan of Kendrick Lamar. During a recent YouTube Q&A session, the President responded when asked whether he preferred Lamar or Drake:

"Gotta go with Kendrick," Obama said after YouTube personality Adande Thorne, known on the video streaming platform as sWooZie, showed him a side-by-side photo of the two rappers. "I think Drake is an outstanding entertainer, Kendrick... his lyrics, his last album, was outstanding. Best album, I think, of last year."

Below, watch the President's gripping speech from October of last year, where he sorrowfully addressed the nation directly following the harrowing Umpqua Community College shooting.

We want to hear from you. How will you celebrate “African-American Music Appreciation Month” this month? Who is your favorite African-American artist? Let us know in the comments section.

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Barack Obama, President Barack Obama, President Obama