This Senate resolution aims to formally acknowledge the profound and diverse contributions of Black people to the musical heritage of the United States. It highlights how Black artists have created or significantly enhanced numerous genres, including spirituals, ragtime, blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, Motown, rock and roll, and hip-hop, which are deeply woven into American culture and history. The resolution details the achievements of a vast array of influential Black musicians, composers, and producers, from early pioneers like Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield and Florence Price to iconic figures such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, Prince, and Tina Turner, emphasizing the talent, hard work, and obstacles these artists overcame to gain national and international recognition across various musical styles. Beyond recognition, the resolution addresses significant disparities in music education for Black students. It cites studies indicating low participation rates for Black students in school music programs, lower scores on arts assessments, and a lack of culturally relevant curricula. Furthermore, students from low-income families, often including a disproportionate number of Black students, are particularly disadvantaged in accessing quality music education, with data showing only 15 percent of music ensemble students are Black and only 7 percent of music teacher licensure candidates are Black. To address these issues, the resolution calls for greater access to and participation in culturally relevant music programs for Black students nationwide. It recognizes Black History Month and Black Music Month as crucial times to celebrate this heritage and encourage the next generation's musical development, ensuring future contributions to the musical heritage of the United States. Finally, the resolution formally designates June 2026 as "Black Music Month" to honor and preserve this vital part of American culture, building upon its establishment 47 years ago and the work of the National Museum of African American Music.