African American Appreciation Month: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about African American Appreciation Month (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. African American Appreciation Month is celebrated on June 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of African American Appreciation Month, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you may want to know about African American Appreciation Month.

📅 What day is African American Appreciation Month 2024?

In 2024, African American Appreciation Month is on Thursday, June 1st. It is the 1st Thursday in June; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all intriguing details and facts about June 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

June is the designated month to celebrate African American Appreciation. During this time, we come together to acknowledge and appreciate the valuable contributions that African Americans have made to various aspects of art, culture, and society. In particular, we pay tribute to the uplifting music created, arranged, and performed by talented African American artists.

📜 African American Appreciation Month History

Several musicians, such as Ed Wright, Dyana Williams, and Kenny Gamble, took it upon themselves to preserve and promote the African-American musical heritage. They were supported by many other musicians who wanted to share their talents with the wider music industry. The blues, which originated from African religious songs sung during slavery, is the earliest and most notable musical style that represents African-American heritage. Jazz, which emerged in the 1920s, played a significant role in bringing people of different races and ethnicities together to appreciate this celebrated genre, breaking down racial barriers. Subsequently, various other styles like rock, swing, gospel, hip-hop, funk, Motown, and even boogie-woogie emerged. Influential musicians such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones credit the blues and jazz as inspirations for their work. African Americans continue to showcase their musical talents on stage, with performers like Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, and Beyoncé achieving global fame.

✅ African American Appreciation Month Facts

🔖 Jazz first began in New Orleans
Jazz played a pivotal role in providing a platform for the public emergence and development of various African-American music genres.

🔖 Stevie Wonder wins an award
Stevie Wonder became the first African-American artist to receive the prestigious Grammy Award for “Album of the Year.”

🔖 It started in a theater
Harlem, located in New York City, was historically known as the center of African-American music and served as the birthplace of the earliest forms of musical theater.

👍 Why Is African American Appreciation Month Important

Slavery meant centuries of oppression for African Americans. This month is a time to recognize their suffering while also celebrating their ethnicity and abilities.

We can appreciate African Americans’ talent as artists by listening to the various genres of music they have created. We get to honor what they’ve contributed to society, whether it’s blues, rap, or jazz.

People of all races and generations can be inspired to be more inclusive and accepting of different cultures. We bridge societal gaps by becoming interested in black history.

🙂 How To Observe African American Appreciation Month

⚡ Visit a jazz bar
Find a jazz club nearby and attend a live performance. Focus on the musical instruments and singing during the show.

⚡ Give your favorite African-American artist a listen
Show your appreciation by streaming a song from a talented African American musician. This act of support not only recognizes their skill, but also serves as a reminder of their influential and iconic status.

⚡ Listen to other similar music
Music platforms suggest similar artists to the ones you’re currently listening to, so it’s worth exploring and discovering new music.

📅 When is African American Appreciation Month?

See all 🔗 June holidays, including 🔗 Appreciation and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about African American Appreciation Month. So be sure to check back soon.