Obama declares June 2016 African-American Music Appreciation Month

President Obama has declared June 2016 African-American Music Appreciation Month.

In a proclamation on Thursday, Obama praised African-American music as "among the most innovative and powerful art the world has ever known." 

"It accompanies us in our daily lives, and it has rung out at turning points in our history and demonstrated how our achievements as a culture go hand-in-hand with our progress as a Nation," he wrote. "During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we honor the artists who, through this music, bring us together, show us a true reflection of ourselves, and inspire us to reach for the harmony that lies beyond our toughest struggles."

Obama has been very vocal for his affinity for hip-hop and music by black artists. In April, he met with artists like Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Chance the Rapper, Pusha T and Common for My Brother's Keeper, an initiative that aims to address opportunity gaps for men of color. 

In January, he invited Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar -- whose To Pimp A Butterfly is among Obama's favorite albums -- to the Oval Office and declared him better than Drake. He and Michelle are friends with Beyonce and Jay Z.

"This month, we celebrate the music that reminds us that our growth as a Nation and as people is reflected in our capacity to create great works of art," the proclamation reads. "Let us recognize the performers behind this incredible music, which has compelled us to stand up -- to dance, to express our faith through song, to march against injustice, and to defend our country's enduring promise of freedom and opportunity for all."

Read the full proclamation here. 

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