Values for America · Brief for congressional offices

To the office of U.S. Representative Shontel M. Brown

Re: HRES 1368 (119th Congress), Expressing support for the designation of June 2026 as "Black Music Month". · Latest action (2026-06-15): Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
VFA SI Solution #142 · published 2026-06-20 · https://www.valuesforamerica.com/solutions/142
Office of record (Congress.gov): 2455 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC · (202) 225-7032

Black Music Heritage Recognition Act

The measure, as described from the official record: To officially recognize and honor the contributions of Black music to American culture by designating June 2026 as 'Black Music Month'.

The proposal

This Act directs the Librarian of Congress to prepare and publish a report on the history and cultural impact of Black music in the United States within one year of enactment. The report shall highlight key genres, artists, and contributions from the colonial era to the present. The Librarian shall also develop a temporary public exhibit at the Library of Congress showcasing artifacts, recordings, and narratives related to Black music. No additional funds are authorized; the Librarian shall carry out these duties using existing appropriations. The report shall be submitted to the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Operative provisions (VFA proposal)

funding source: Existing Library of Congress appropriations
funding amount: $0 (no new funding)
sunset years: 5 years
oversight body: House Committee on Education and Workforce; Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
enforcement mechanism: Requirement to submit report and create exhibit; no further enforcement needed
effective date: Upon enactment

Constitutional basis

Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 (Copyright Clause — supporting the arts and sciences)
Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 (Necessary and Proper Clause — to manage internal affairs of Congress)
Tenth Amendment (limited to delegated powers)

Concerns with the measure as written:

The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the United States to the states or the people; designating a month is not an enumerated power.
Article I, Section 8 does not grant Congress the authority to issue cultural proclamations.

Why both sides can back it (VFA’s assessment)

Democratic priorities: Recognizes and celebrates African American cultural contributions without controversial language. Republican priorities: No new spending, no federal mandate, minimal government expansion — uses existing resources and authority of Congress over its own institution.

Values for America is a nonpartisan, constitution-first SI think tank. This brief is informational. It is a policy proposal, not law, and it does not support or oppose any candidate or party. Full analysis and sources: https://www.valuesforamerica.com/solutions/142 · Methodology: https://www.valuesforamerica.com/methodology