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St. Paul council proclaims June Black Music Month, honors local artists
Summary
The St. Paul City Council unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing June as Black Music Month and presented honors to local musicians and cultural organizations, citing music’s role in community healing and cultural preservation.
The St. Paul City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 25-9-23 recognizing June as Black Music Month and honored a slate of local artists and cultural organizations during the meeting on June 11, 2025.
The resolution and a presentation recognizing honorees drew artists, community leaders and multiple council members to the dais. Council Member (Ms.) Bowie introduced the item and invited honorees to the microphone. The program included remarks from representatives of Walker West Music Academy and several individual artists and cultural organizers.
The council’s proclamation frames Black music as “a healing, a medicine, a celebration, and a preservation” of local history, language used by presenters during the meeting. Reverend Carl Walker and Braxton Halsey of Walker West described the academy’s growth since 1988, noting the organization serves “over 300 students per week” and “5,700 program participants per year” and has developed a new $14,000,000 facility the organization calls a cultural destination.
Other honorees who addressed the council included Jerome (describing his experience as a student in Saint Paul public schools), DJ Advanced, Jamayla Pettiford, Tish Jones of True Art Speaks, Gloria L. Martin (DJ What?/Paul Bear), and additional performers and organizers from Sounds of Blackness and other local groups. Speakers described intergenerational arts education, scholarships that enabled early participation, and the role of local institutions such as Walker West in providing free or subsidized programming.
Council members spoke in support. Council President Rebecca Naker and Vice President Kim praised the honorees’ community work; Council Member Yang described the event as “empowering and also healing” amid broader national concerns. Several council members urged residents to attend summer events that highlight local Black artists, and staff noted the city’s “Saint Paul Get Down” program will host concerts through the summer, including a concert on Aug. 22 headlined by former honoree Malik Juice Lord.
The council took the proclamation as a motion by Council Member Bowie and adopted it by voice vote: seven in favor, none opposed.
The recognition followed an on-record presentation and a brief photo session in the council chambers; presenters emphasized continued investment in arts programs and invited the public to upcoming summer events.
Ending: The city’s proclamation and the honorees’ testimonies highlighted the local arts infrastructure and urged continued public support for Black cultural programming in Saint Paul.
