[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 24 (Wednesday, February 5, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 6057-6058]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-3007]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 24 / Wednesday, February 5, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 6057]]


                Proclamation 7645 of January 31, 2003

                
National African American History Month, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                African Americans have played central roles in some of 
                the most triumphant and courageous moments in our 
                Nation's history. During National African American 
                History Month, we honor the rich heritage of African 
                Americans and pay tribute to their many contributions 
                to our Nation. As we celebrate this year's theme, ``The 
                Souls of Black Folk: Centennial Reflections,'' we 
                remember the successes and challenges of our past. We 
                also resolve to honor the achievements and legacy of 
                these proud citizens by continuing to improve our 
                society so that it fully lives up to our founding 
                ideals.

                In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson recognized the need 
                for our country to gain a more complete and informed 
                understanding of our past. He founded the Association 
                for the Study of Negro Life and History and established 
                the first Negro History Week to emphasize that ``We 
                have a wonderful history behind us . . . `` Through the 
                pioneering efforts of Dr. Woodson and the hard work of 
                the Association, this observance officially became 
                Black History Month in 1976.

                For generations, African Americans have strengthened 
                our Nation by urging reforms, overcoming obstacles, and 
                breaking down barriers. We see the greatness of America 
                in those who have risen above injustice and enriched 
                our society, a greatness reflected in the resolve of 
                Jackie Robinson, the intellect of W.E.B. DuBois, and 
                the talent of Louis Armstrong. We also gain a deeper 
                appreciation for the African-American experience in the 
                writings of James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, and Zora Neal 
                Hurston, as well as in the music of Mahalia Jackson, 
                Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and countless others.

                African Americans reflect a proud legacy of courage and 
                dedication that has helped to guide our Nation's 
                success and prosperity. Visionary leaders like 
                Frederick Douglass, Thurgood Marshall, and Martin 
                Luther King, Jr., possessed a clarity of purpose and 
                were instrumental in exposing and addressing the issues 
                that threatened our founding principles. The battle for 
                freedom, equality, and opportunity was fought on the 
                front lines by strong figures such as Harriet Tubman 
                and Fannie Lou Hamer, as well as many other everyday 
                heroes who helped to lead this Nation to a more hopeful 
                and just society.

                As we recall these remarkable individuals, we also 
                recognize that, despite our progress, racial prejudice 
                still exists in America. As a Nation and as 
                individuals, we must be vigilant in responding to 
                discrimination wherever we find it. By promoting 
                diversity, understanding, and opportunity, we will 
                continue our efforts to build a society where every 
                person, of every race, can realize the promise of 
                America.

                This month, I encourage all citizens to gain awareness 
                of and appreciation for African-American history. As we 
                remember this important part of our Nation's past, we 
                look to a bright future, recognizing the potential of 
                an America united in purpose, guided by spirit, and 
                dedicated to equality.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution

[[Page 6058]]

                and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim 
                February 2003 as National African American History 
                Month. I call upon public officials, educators, 
                librarians, and all of the people of the United States 
                to observe this month with appropriate programs and 
                activities that highlight and honor the myriad of 
                contributions that African Americans have made to our 
                Nation.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand three, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
                seventh.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-3007
Filed 2-4-03; 11:04 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P