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J 554

Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Black Music Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 62 co-sponsors

A ceremonial memorial urging the Governor to proclaim June 2025 as Black Music Month in New York, recognizing Black musicians' contributions without creating laws or funding.

ADOPTED
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Bill Summary · J 554

Summary of Bill J 554 — Memorializing Governor to Proclaim June 2025 as Black Music Month in New York

Purpose and Intent

  • Bill J 554 is a memorializing resolution that expresses the New York Legislature’s support for designating June 2025 as Black Music Month in the State of New York.
  • The bill requests the Governor to issue a proclamation recognizing June 2025 as Black Music Month and to encourage public awareness and appreciation of Black contributions to music and culture in New York.

Key Provisions

  • Primary action: The resolution memorializes the Governor to proclaim June 2025 as Black Music Month in New York.
  • Nature of action: As a memorializing resolution, it serves to express the Legislature’s position and does not authorize new laws, create new programs, or allocate funding.
  • Public recognition: Aims to highlight the significance of Black musicians and their impact on New York’s cultural landscape.
  • No mandate or enforcement: The measure does not impose statutory duties on individuals, schools, or state agencies beyond the ceremonial recognition.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • State government and officials: The Governor would be urged to issue a proclamation.
  • New York residents and cultural community: The resolution supports public acknowledgment and potential statewide observances or programs tied to Black Music Month.
  • Educational and cultural institutions: May encourage related commemorations, events, or educational activities, consistent with a ceremonial proclamation.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • Introduced: March 21, 2025.
  • Early action: Referred to the Finance committee on March 21, 2025.
  • Subsequent actions: Reported to the calendar for consideration and adopted on March 25, 2025.
  • Status: ADOPTED as of March 25, 2025, indicating approval by the chamber(s) that considered it.

Sponsorship

  • Primary sponsor: Jamaal Bailey.
  • Notable: The bill lists a broad slate of cosponsors, reflecting wide bipartisan support across the Legislature.
  • Examples of cosponsors (partial list): Mario Mattera, Gustavo Rivera, Michelle Hinchey, Nathalia Fernandez, José M. Serrano, Robert Ortt, Shelley Mayer, James Tedisco, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Andrew Gounardes, and many others.

Practical Implications and Context

  • This is a ceremonial resolution. It does not create new law or require state agencies to implement specific programs or expenditures.
  • It aligns with a broader national and international practice of recognizing Black Music Month (traditionally commemorated in June) and encourages statewide acknowledgment and related cultural programming.
  • By garnering broad legislative support, the measure signals the Legislature’s intent to honor the contributions of Black musicians and to promote diverse cultural heritage within New York.

What Happens Next

  • Since adopted, the measure serves as the Legislature’s request for the Governor to proclaim June 2025 as Black Music Month.
  • The Governor’s response would determine any formal proclamation and any accompanying ceremonial observances or public statements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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