"JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH"

Jazz is an original American art form that affirms the noblest aspirations of our national character, individual discipline, perseverance, and innovation. Jazz has produced some of America’s leading creative artists and ranks as one of America’s greatest exports to the world. Jazz has inspired dancers, choreographers, poets, novelists, filmmakers, classical composers, and musicians in many other kinds of music. Arts education and an appreciation for the contributions of all American art forms is fundamental to the people of the City of Sumter. America’s jazz heritage deserves to be appreciated as broadly as possible and should be part of education in both America’s children and adults. Jazz has spoken eloquently of freedom for people in the United States and abroad, and has become an international language that bridges differences and brings people of all races, ages, and backgrounds together. We honor and recognize the outstanding work that all jazz artists, educators, and enthusiasts in the Sumter community present.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor of the City of Sumter, do hereby proclaim Friday, April 9, 2010 as Jazz Day and the Month of April, 2010 as

"JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH"

in the

CITY OF SUMTER

and encourage all citizens to join hundreds of arts and music organizations nationwide in celebrating April as Jazz Appreciation Month to keep jazz alive in our communities.

Joseph T. McElveen, Jr., Mayor