[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 23 (Friday, February 2, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 3777]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-2363]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 23 / Friday, February 2, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 3777]]

                Proclamation 6863 of January 30, 1996

                
National African American History Month, 1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Today's schoolchildren are fortunate to grow up in 
                classrooms where they are taught to appreciate all of 
                the many heroes of American history. While previous 
                generations read textbooks that told only part of our 
                Nation's story, materials have been developed in recent 
                years that give our students a fuller picture--textured 
                and deepened by new characters and themes. African 
                American History Month provides a special opportunity 
                for teachers and schools to celebrate this ongoing 
                process and to focus on the many African Americans 
                whose lives have shaped our common experience.

                This year, our observance emphasizes black women and 
                the strides made to bring their achievements to the 
                fore. From Sojourner Truth's sermons, to Mary McLeod 
                Bethune's speeches, to the contemporary novels of Nobel 
                laureate Toni Morrison, the voices of African American 
                women have called attention to the twin burdens of 
                racism and sexism and have invited listeners to 
                discover the richness of traditions kept alive in back 
                kitchens and workrooms. In churches and communities, 
                and more recently in universities and statehouses 
                across America, these women have fought extraordinary 
                battles for social, economic, and political 
                empowerment.

                Barbara Jordan once wrote,

                `We the people'; it is a very eloquent beginning. But 
                when the Constitution of the United States was 
                completed on the seventeenth of September, 1787, I was 
                not included in that `We the people.'

                As we mourn the loss of this great American, let us 
                honor her by seeking to further the progress made since 
                those early days toward true equality and inclusion. 
                During African American History Month and throughout 
                the year, we must embrace the diverse strands of our 
                story so that all children can see themselves in our 
                Nation's past and know that they have a role to play in 
                seizing the future's countless opportunities.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim February 1996, as National 
                African American History Month. I call upon Government 
                officials, educators in schools, colleges, 
                universities, and libraries, and all the people of the 
                United States to observe this month with appropriate 
                ceremonies, activities, and programs that raise 
                awareness of African American history and invite 
                further inquiry into this area of study.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and twentieth.
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-2363
Filed 2-1-96; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P