Black Music Month: 45th Anniversary
Jun 7 – Aug 20, 2024
Feature Gallery
Black Music Month 45th Anniversary, Featuring: Dyana Williams
In June 2024, the National Museum of African American Music commemorated the 45th anniversary of Black Music Month with a special exhibition featuring the photography of Ron St. Claire, complemented by interpretive insights from Diana Williams.
The celebration traced its origins to June 7, 1979, when President Jimmy Carter, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, and their daughter Amy hosted the Black Music Association alongside members of the music and entertainment industries on the White House lawn. This landmark event set the stage for the inaugural observance of Black Music Month.
The exhibition showcased images captured by jazz musician and photographer Ron St. Claire, offering a visual journey through this historic day and honoring the enduring legacy of African American music in shaping culture and history.