President Bush salutes Black Music Month at White House fete

Jet, June 24, 2002

Blacks have two full months--a record for a minority group--to celebrate their accomplishments in America.

The first is February, the designated Black History Month. The second is June, designated Black Music Month.

And President George W. Bush recently acknowledged June as the month to celebrate Black music and performing artists for their achievements in one of the most significant and financially rewarding careers in Black America.

At a reception in the White House's East Room, more than 300 specially selected guests gathered to launch the formal celebration. In a moving proclamation, President Bush called on all Americans "to learn more about the rich heritage of Black music and how it has shaped our culture and our way of life."

He also singled out noted gospel singer Albertina Walker for her contributions to Black music referring to her as "the Queen."

The president later described how Black singers and musicians turned slavery's anguish into spirituals, bebop, gospel, jazz, blues and hip-hop, even go-go, a hybrid dance music "unique to Washington."

"In their songs, we hear the pain of separation, the bitterness of oppression and the troubles of the world," Bush related. "We also hear the courage of a soul, the strength of a faith and the trust in God, who will right every wrong and wipe away every tear."

While his audience listened intently, the president gave a not-too-often related account of how Black singers and musicians had left their imprint on White House history.

"In the history of Black music, some of the finest moments have taken place right here in this house," said the president. "Among the first Black soloists to perform here was the daughter of a slave--Sissieretta Jones, who sang ballads for three presidents, including McKinley and Roosevelt."

He pointed out that President William Howard Taft hosted the violinist Joseph Douglass, and then personally introduced Frederick Douglass IV, a relative who was in the audience.

Bush said that the first Black choir to sing at the White House was the Jubilee Singers from Fisk University.

He said that the group "couldn't find a hotel room to stay."

"That happened over 120 years ago during a time when America wasn't a very hospitable place for a lot of Americans," recalled Bush.

The president also announced his support of a new Black museum in the nation's capital. He has named some of the members to its board.

Entertainment for the evening included songs performed by the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.