John Malveaux: African American Music Month omits, neglects, or denies the history and accomplishments by African Americans in classical music and opera

George Walker (1922-2018)

John Malveaux of MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

JUNE marks African American Music Month, also known as Black Music Month, in the United States. The heritage month, originally known as Black Music Month, was started in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter. It was later commemorated with its current name by President Barack Obama, who proclaimed it a month "to dance, to defend our country's enduring promise of freedom and opportunity for all.” See https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/celebrating-black-music-month

African American Music Month intentionally or inadvertently omits, neglects, or denies the history and accomplishments by African Americans in classical music and opera.

See pics Pulitzer Prize composer George Walker and Grammy Soprano Latonia Moore.

Similarly, the annual NAACP Image Awards does not include categories that heighten awareness of African American achievements in classical and opera genres.