Proclamation For Jimmie Lunceford's 107th Life Affirmation Day By The Honorable U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen...

Giving The King Of Swing His Proper Due: R2C2H2 Tha Artivist, U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen & Emerson Able With The Jimmie Lunceford 107th Life Affirmation Day Proclamation
(photo: Andrew Rome Withers)

Photo: ©The W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Group/r2c2h2 tha artivist

United States House of Representatives
Proclamation
By Congressman Stephen Cohen
9th District, Tennessee

copyrighted image by r2c2h2

“Music Can Change The World”
~Ludwig van Beethoven

WHEREAS, on behalf of the citizens of the Ninth Congressional District, it is my distinct pleasure to celebrate the memory of Jimmie Lunceford as we honor him on his 107th Life Affirmation Day; and,

WHEREAS, Mr. Lunceford served this city as the first high school band director in the history of the Memphis City Schools system, and he also pioneered the effort to create the first jazz studies program in U.S. public school history; and,

WHEREAS, his brilliant career took him and the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra, made up in part of students from his high school band at Manassas High School, to the heights of swing music royalty in the 1930’s and 1940’s, rivaling such greats as Duke Ellington and Earl Hines; and,

WHEREAS, his unique vision and dynamic mission moved the souls of countless individuals and helped alter the circumstances of his community at a time when few African Americans had the opportunity to make such a difference; and,

WHEREAS, it is my hope that Jimmie Lunceford’s contribution to jazz music, its powerful cultural influence, and to the city of Memphis specifically may continue to be made known and learned from;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Steve Cohen, Member of Congress, along with the citizens of the Ninth Congressional District, seek to honor the memory of Jimmie Lunceford as his life is celebrated on this, the 6th of June, 2009.

Stephen I. Cohen
Member of Congress