Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln today introduced a bipartisan resolution along with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) to designate September 2010 as Gospel Music Heritage Month, an annual commemoration of the rich heritage of gospel music and gospel music artists. Lincoln has sponsored the legislation each year since its inception in 2008.
“As a farmer’s daughter from Helena, Arkansas, who grew up in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, I’ve been surrounded by the unique traditions of gospel music all my life and am appreciative of its importance to the faith community in my state. I am proud to introduce this resolution designating September as ‘Gospel Music Heritage Month,’ to honor the lasting legacy of gospel music in the U.S. and around the world,” said Lincoln.
Lincoln also today submitted remarks in the Congressional Record in support of her resolution:
TO RECOGNIZE SEPTEMBER AS “GOSPEL MUSIC HERITAGE MONTH”
“M. President, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution in the U.S. Senate along with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison designating September as “Gospel Music Heritage Month,” to honor the lasting legacy of gospel music in the U.S. and around the world.
“My state of Arkansas has served as home and inspiration to countless musical styles and influences, including gospel music.
“As a farmer’s daughter from Helena, Arkansas, who grew up in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, I’ve been surrounded by the unique traditions of gospel music all my life and am appreciative of its importance to the faith community in my state.
“With its roots in African-American culture, gospel music has grown beyond the church walls and is now firmly rooted in the American music tradition.
“Gospel music is a beloved art form of our country and has spread beyond geographic origins in the United States to touch audiences around the world. It is a testament to the universal appeal of gospel music, which both inspires and entertains across racial, ethnic, religious, and geographical boundaries.
“In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to shining the spotlight on gospel music so that our children and students – and all Americans – can understand the full impact it has made on our great nation.
“In closing, I would like to thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for her leadership on this effort and for her tireless work in the U.S. House of Representative to designate September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.
“Gospel music is an integral part of our nation’s history and heritage. Along with all Arkansans and all Americans, I celebrate gospel music as an art form that brings a message of hope and inspiration to all people.
“I now yield my time.”
The full text of the Senate resolution is included below:
RESOLUTION
“Designating September 2010 as ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’’ and honoring gospel music for its valuable contributions to the culture of the United States.
“Whereas gospel music is a beloved art form of the United States;
“Whereas gospel music is a cornerstone of the musical traditions of the United States and has spread beyond origins in African-American spirituals to achieve popular cultural and historical relevance;
“Whereas gospel music has spread beyond geographic origins in the United States to touch audiences around the world; and
“Whereas gospel music is a testament to the universal appeal of a historical art form of the United States that both inspires and entertains across racial, ethnic, religious, and geographical boundaries:
“Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Senate—
“(1) designates September 2010 as ‘‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’’; and
“(2) recognizes the valuable contributions to the culture of the United States derived from the rich heritage of gospel music and gospel music artists.”
The legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas).
