African American Music Appreciation Month
Black Music Month, also known as African-American Music Appreciation Month, takes place every June. Initiated in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter, it acknowledges the vast contributions of Black musicians to the world of music.
Celebrate Black Music Month by partnering with artists, venues, and retailers to drive engagement through curated playlists, live events, and community-focused promotions that honor African-American musical heritage.
- Curate and share genre-spanning playlists featuring Black artists across jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop
- Promote live concerts and music festivals featuring Black musicians and highlight local Black-owned record stores
- Create documentary-style content or host virtual listening parties exploring the history and impact of Black music pioneers
- Partner with streaming platforms and music retailers to offer exclusive bundles or discounts celebrating Black artists
Campaign ideas8
- Create genre-themed week activations: Partner with artists to spotlight jazz, gospel, blues, hip-hop, and R&B with exclusive content, live sessions, or podcast series breaking down each genre's history.
- Launch a 'Black Music in [Your Industry]' documentary or video series: Profile Black musicians, producers, engineers, or innovators who shaped your industry (retail, tech, finance, food, etc.)—make it educational and authentic.
- Host listening parties and artist talks: Partner with local venues, universities, or music institutions for in-person or virtual events featuring emerging or established Black artists discussing their craft and cultural impact.
- Curate month-long playlists by employee/partner demographics: Feature user-generated playlists from Black employees, customers, or community partners; showcase 'what I listen to' stories with photos and why-it-matters narratives.
- Sponsor a community music initiative: Fund local music education programs, youth workshops, instrument drives, or mentorship programs in underserved communities—visible, tangible, year-round commitment.
- Run a 'Behind the Music' campaign: Interview/feature Black artists, session musicians, sound engineers, producers—people behind the scenes whose names aren't on the album but built the sound.
- Partner with Black-owned music businesses: Collaborate with indie record labels, music studios, music tech startups, or venues; feature them in-store, online, and in ads as highlighted partners.
- Create a limited-edition collaborative product or merch: Work with a Black musician or producer to design exclusive packaging, album art-inspired items, or bundles that celebrate their legacy.
Social angles6
- #BlackMusicMonth playlist takeover: Share daily/weekly recommendations from your team, customers, or employees—'What's on my rotation this June' with artist bios, genre origins, and cultural context. #BlackMusicMonth #SupportBlackArtists
- Then-and-now artist education: Post about iconic Black musicians (Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Kendrick Lamar) who shaped their genre—side-by-side their influence on today's artists. #BlackMusicMonth #MusicHistory
- Genre deep-dive series: Each week, spotlight one genre (jazz, gospel, blues, hip-hop, R&B, funk). Share reels of landmark songs, artist spotlights, and how that genre influenced others. #BlackMusicMonth
- Employee/community stories: 'What does Black music mean to you?' User-generated content from employees, customers, or followers sharing their personal stories, favorite artists, memories. #BlackMusicMonth #OurCommunity
- Live performance or session content: Behind-the-scenes footage or clips of Black artists performing, creating, producing—authentic, unpolished moments that show craft and passion. #BlackMusicMonth #UndertheSpotlight
- Historical + present-day callout: Contrast iconic moments in Black music history with modern Black artists carrying the torch—show evolution, pride, and continuity. #BlackMusicMonth #MusicMatters
Ad copy starters5
“'From the Blues to Hip-Hop: The Soundtrack That Built America.' Honor six decades of Black music innovation this June.”
“'Music is resistance. Music is joy. Music is freedom.' Celebrate Black artists who changed the world.”
“'Every genre. Every era. Every voice matters.' This June, amplify the artists who shaped the sound of America.”
“'The beat was already here. We're just celebrating who kept it alive.' Support Black Music Month.”
“'From jazz clubs to sold-out arenas—meet the legends and rising stars who wrote history.' Black Music Month starts June 1.”
Tips4
- Don't tokenize or limit celebration to June—emphasize year-round support and partnerships with Black artists and communities. Authentic commitment signals loyalty.
- Partner with Black creatives, artists, and community members from the start, not as afterthoughts. Authentic collaboration, not performative representation, wins trust and attention.
- Avoid stereotypes and surface-level tropes. Celebrate complexity, excellence, and nuance—feature artists who define themselves on their own terms, not through narrow narratives.
- Move beyond playlists alone: Invest in education (music history, artist spotlights), live experiences (concerts, panels, workshops), and tangible support (scholarships, funding, community programs) to show substantive commitment.
Black Music Month, now widely known as African-American Music Appreciation Month, began in 1979.
President Jimmy Carter acknowledged the immense influence of Black musicians and proclaimed June as a month to honor their contributions.
The idea originated from Kenny Gamble, a respected songwriter and producer. He wanted to spotlight Black artists and their impact on American culture.
The celebration started with the intention of highlighting the musical achievements of African-American artists across genres.
Initially, Black Music Month had a strong focus on promoting lesser-known artists. It emphasized how their unique rhythms and sounds shaped the country’s music landscape.
Over the years, this month has grown into a major celebration. It’s a chance to remember the pioneers of jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, and hip-hop.
The music created by these artists has left an indelible mark on American society. They have influenced countless musicians, not only in the U.S. but around the world.
In 2009, President Barack Obama officially changed the name to African-American Music Appreciation Month.
The change reflected the broader cultural importance of this celebration, which now celebrates not only the music but also the history and struggles of those who made it.
Black Music Month is a reminder of the incredible legacy of Black musicians. It honors their resilience in the face of adversity and their contributions to music.
Through their work, we see the power of music to bring people together and inspire change.
Create a Soulful Playlist
Dive into Black Music Month by curating a playlist that spans genres and generations. Mix classics from Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin with modern beats by Kendrick Lamar and Lizzo. It’s like a party in your ears, and everyone’s invited.
Attend a Live Event
Nothing compares to the energy of live music. Seek out concerts, festivals, or small gigs featuring Black musicians. It’s an unbeatable way to connect with the community and feel the rhythm pulsing in the air.
Support Black-Owned Record Stores
Head to your local record store to dig through crates of vinyl, supporting Black-owned businesses along the way. It’s a treasure hunt where you might stumble upon rare gems, enriching your collection while uplifting the community.
Learn About Music History
Take a trip back in time by reading books or watching documentaries on Black music history. Discover the stories behind your favorite artists and how they shaped entire genres, adding depth to every beat and lyric.
Host a Movie Night
Gather friends for a movie night with films that highlight the journey of Black musicians. Biopics like “Ray” or “Cadillac Records” bring these artists’ stories to life, making for an evening filled with music, laughter, and a dash of drama.