Story at a glance
- Commemorating the introduction of hip-hop as an American music style, the Senate approved a resolution to make November 2021 “Hip Hop History Month.”
- Aug. 11 will also be “Hip Hop Celebration Day.”
- The bill does not have the force of law.
On Monday, the U.S. Senate passed Resolution 331, a bill that officially designates Aug. 11 as “Hip Hop Celebration Day.” It also designates November 2021 as “Hip Hop History Month.”
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), the resolution passed unanimously. It was introduced on July 29 and works to commemorate the “Back To School Jam” organized by DJ Kool Herc, or Clive Campbell, alongside his sister Cindy Campbell on Aug. 11, 1973.
Campbell introduced his style of disc jockeying and rap in the Bronx, giving birth to the iconic hip-hop music style and culture that has defined the American music industry in the decades since.
The resolution notes hip-hop as a genre that “transcend[s] many different ages, ethnicities, religions, locations, political affiliations, and socioeconomic statuses, which demonstrates the melting-pot quality of Hip Hop art and culture.”
Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) are cosponsors of the resolution.
As a simple resolution, the bill does not need House approval or the signature of the president. It encourages senators to plan celebratory activities that commemorate hip-hop’s cultural influence in the U.S. and recommends local governments build partnerships with local hip-hop organizations and communities as a way to support the development of music and arts.
Published on Aug. 02, 2021
