Remarks by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield at a US-sponsored celebration of black American composers and musicians at the UN General Assembly
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
US Representative to the United Nations
New-York, New-York
February 27, 2023
AS DELIVERED
Good evening everyone.
That’s an amazing turnout. We turned the UN General Assembly into a crowded concert hall. I’d say this will be the most watched concert we’ve ever held here, but that would be an insult to Beyoncé, who graced the UN in 2012 with an electrifying performance on World Humanitarian Day by storm, is we proud of the contribution of our “American Royalty” – Queen B.
But seriously, I appreciate everything the UN Secretariat, US Mission staff and West Point team did to make this evening possible. And I want to thank everyone who joined us for the United States’ first-ever Black History Month concert at the United Nations. [Applause.]
Black History Month is so important to me, but more importantly, it’s important to our country. It’s time to recognize the remarkable achievements of black Americans; Achievements that are all too often overlooked and underestimated. It’s time to reflect on the dark legacy of discrimination and systemic racism that Black Americans have faced for so many decades. And it’s time to recommit ourselves to building a better and fairer future for all of us.
Tomorrow we will return to intense negotiations, Council meetings, General Assembly meetings and voting; all UN member states know what it’s like. But tonight let us come together in a spirit of progress and unity and savor the gift that is before you from these extraordinary musicians. And they really are an extraordinary bunch, so let’s give them a round of applause. [Applause.]
Lieutenant General Gilland, Brigadier General Quander, Lieutenant Colonel Toven, Command Sergeant Major Drewes and every member of the West Point Band and West Point Cadet Glee Club – thank you. [Applause.]
Thank you for helping us celebrate Black History Month through the music of famous composers, through songs steeped in black spirituality, through the rhythm of Afro-Caribbean and black Latin artists, through Motown tunes that will get you going to get up and dance . And I hope you do, because I will.
Well, I was born and raised in Louisiana, and Louisiana’s music—especially jazz—is the rhythm of life. I remember when I first fell in love with a jazz album, I was in junior high school and I heard Wes Montgomery dance. What he could do with a guitar – well, that just appealed to me. So I went out and got an album – some of you may not know what an album is – some of us still know. [Laughter.] But it really felt like home and I still have the album – it might be worth something now.
Because for me, and for so many African Americans, music is a connection to our history in all its richness, diversity, joy and sorrow.
Today’s program takes you on this journey. You’ll be treated to a stirring rendition of “Buffalo Soldiers” and learn about some of the earliest African American soldiers. You will hear the band play classic soul music that will fill you with hope and love. And we end the evening with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” an anthem billed as the “Black National Anthem.” You have these lyrics on the program before you, so be ready to sing along.
I hope everyone warmed up with singing practice before coming here. I’m telling you, you don’t want to hear me sing. [Laughter.] I whisper when I sing. If I look like I’m going to bang when you put a mic in front of me, there’s no sound. I was warned by my children, my grandchildren and my dog not to sing in front of people. [Laughter.]
But I’m gonna have a good time, because as the Cadet Glee Club likes to say, “No fun without music, no music without fun.” So let’s get this show on the road. And as we say in Louisiana laissez les bon temps rouler.
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to the West Point Band and the US Army Cadet Glee Club. [Applause.]
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