Celebrate the rich tapestry of African American music. Each genre tells a story of struggle, resilience, and triumph that can inspire our journeys – The Meditativist
Black Music Month and Juneteenth resonate with stories of liberation and freedom. SpiritualJazzTopia celebrates the power of music and culture in making liberation and freedom happen through music, meditation, movement, and life. We’re liberated when oppressive constraints no longer bind us. We’re free when we can live authentically.
Black Music Month
On June 7, 1979, President Jimmy Carter hosted the first Black Music Month celebration on the White House lawn. This event included performances by notable artists such as Chuck Berry and Billy Eckstine. The celebration was a significant moment in recognizing the contributions of Black music to American culture. Although Carter declared June Black Music Month with this event, Congress didn’t provide official recognition until 2000.
Juneteenth
On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the “Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, making Juneteenth a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery to over 250,000 enslaved people.
The announcement in Texas came two years after the insurance of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, that declared that all enslaved people in the Confederate states in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.”
SpiritualJazzTopia
SpiritualJazzTopia is a transformative space/place inspired by the rich heritage of spiritual jazz artists like Sun Ra, John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders, and Alice Coltrane. These artists infused their music with themes of spirituality, social consciousness, and a quest for transcendence.
In celebrating Black Music Month and Juneteenth in SpiritualJazzTopia, we reflect on the journey of liberation and freedom—historically and personally. It’s a celebration of resilience, strength, and the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom.
We pay homage to African American contributions through music and movement, highlighting their decisive role in the fight for justice. We use our bodies and voices to celebrate freedom and express solidarity.
Workshops and discussions provide a platform for us to reflect on the history of Juneteenth and Black Music. We engage in sessions that foster a sense of empathy and connection, encouraging active participation in the journey toward a more just society.
Art installations and interactive exhibits allow us to experience the beauty and complexity of African American culture. Our immersive experiences deepen our appreciation for the resilience and creativity that have shaped our ancestors’ and our journey of liberation.
Our celebrations are also a call to action.
We identify areas of need within our community, coordinate efforts to address systemic inequality, and promote social justice. Powered by collective action, we make tangible contributions, embodying the spirit of liberation and freedom in our everyday lives.
Our celebrations also remind us of the ongoing journey toward liberation and freedom. We honor the past, reflect on the present, and envision a future where equality and justice are a reality.
As we celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music Month, we draw inspiration from the resilience and strength of those who came before us and commit to continuing their legacy.
In SpiritualJazzTopia, we celebrate, reflect, and act, making liberation and freedom not just ideals but lived realities for all.
Spiritual Jazz and Meditation Jam Sessions
Join us at our next Spiritual Jazz and Meditation Jam Session. We’ll explore Archie Shepp’s music, enter “Shepptopia,” and watch him achieve liberation and freedom through music, meditation, movement, and life.
Check out information on our past Jam Sessions on the website.
For July, we’ll be exploring the work of Dorothy Ashby (DorothyAshbyTopia).
How can you honor the legacy of Juneteenth and Black Music Month in your daily life to foster continuous liberation and collective well-being?
On June 7, 1979, President Jimmy Carter established Black Music Month through a presidential proclamation.
In 2000, Congress passed House Resolution 509, also known as The African-American Music Bill. President Bill Clinton signed the bill into law, officially acknowledging and celebrating the impact of African American music on American culture and society.
In 2009, President Barack Obama renamed the celebration African American Music Appreciation Month to reflect a broader appreciation of the contributions of African American artists across various genres.
In 2023, President Joe Biden reinstated the original name, Black Music Month.
Who is the Meditativist?
I, Jerome Paige, am The Meditativist. I combine meditation and activism. I use Mindfulness, Yoga Nidra, and transcendental meditation to achieve mental clarity, emotional calm, and personal insights. Turning these meditative insights into meaningful societal actions is essential to help create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. I am using my persona, The Meditativist, to celebrate my 76th year with the theme “Spirit of 76,” which conveys my intention to make liberation and freedom happen through meditation, music, movement, and life.
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