STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, jazz is an original American art form that affirms the noblest aspirations of our national character, individual discipline, perseverance, and innovation; and

Whereas, jazz has produced some of America’s leading creative artists and ranks as one of America’s greatest exports to the world; and

Whereas, jazz has inspired dancers, choreographers, poets, novelists, filmmakers, classical composers, and musicians in many other kinds of music; and

Whereas, arts education and an appreciation for the contributions of all American art forms is fundamental to the people of the state of New York; and

Whereas, America’s jazz heritage deserves to be appreciated as broadly as possible and should be part of the education of both America’s children and America’s adults; and

Whereas, 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; and

Whereas, we honor and recognize the outstanding work that all jazz artists, educators, and enthusiasts in the State of New York present;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim April 2008 as

JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH

in the Empire State.

Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-fifth day of March in the year two thousand eight.

David A. Paterson
Governor