[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 24 (Friday, February 4, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 6521-6522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2687]



[[Page 6519]]

Vol. 76

Friday,

No. 24

February 4, 2011

Part II





The President





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Proclamation 8627--National African American History Month, 2011
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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 24 / Friday, February 4, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

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                Proclamation 8627 of February 1, 2011

                
National African American History Month, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The great abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass 
                once told us, ``If there is no struggle, there is no 
                progress.'' Progress in America has not come easily, 
                but has resulted from the collective efforts of 
                generations. For centuries, African American men and 
                women have persevered to enrich our national life and 
                bend the arc of history toward justice. From resolute 
                Revolutionary War soldiers fighting for liberty to the 
                hardworking students of today reaching for horizons 
                their ancestors could only have imagined, African 
                Americans have strengthened our Nation by leading 
                reforms, overcoming obstacles, and breaking down 
                barriers. During National African American History 
                Month, we celebrate the vast contributions of African 
                Americans to our Nation's history and identity.

                This year's theme, ``African Americans and the Civil 
                War,'' invites us to reflect on 150 years since the 
                start of the Civil War and on the patriots of a young 
                country who fought for the promises of justice and 
                equality laid out by our forbearers. In the 
                Emancipation Proclamation, President Abraham Lincoln 
                not only extended freedom to those still enslaved 
                within rebellious areas, he also opened the door for 
                African Americans to join the Union effort.

                Tens of thousands of African Americans enlisted in the 
                United States Army and Navy, making extraordinary 
                sacrifices to help unite a fractured country and free 
                millions from slavery. These gallant soldiers, like 
                those in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, 
                served with distinction, braving both intolerance and 
                the perils of war to inspire a Nation and expand the 
                domain of freedom. Beyond the battlefield, black men 
                and women also supported the war effort by serving as 
                surgeons, nurses, chaplains, spies, and in other 
                essential roles. These brave Americans gave their 
                energy, their spirit, and sometimes their lives for the 
                noble cause of liberty.

                Over the course of the next century, the United States 
                struggled to deliver fundamental civil and human rights 
                to African Americans, but African Americans would not 
                let their dreams be denied. Though Jim Crow segregation 
                slowed the onward march of history and expansion of the 
                American dream, African Americans braved bigotry and 
                violence to organize schools, churches, and 
                neighborhood organizations. Bolstered by strong values 
                of faith and community, black men and women have 
                launched businesses, fueled scientific advances, served 
                our Nation in the Armed Forces, sought public office, 
                taught our children, and created groundbreaking works 
                of art and entertainment. To perfect our Union and 
                provide a better life for their children, tenacious 
                civil rights pioneers have long demanded that America 
                live up to its founding principles, and their efforts 
                continue to inspire us.

                Though we inherit the extraordinary progress won by the 
                tears and toil of our predecessors, we know barriers 
                still remain on the road to equal opportunity. 
                Knowledge is our strongest tool against injustice, and 
                it is our responsibility to empower every child in 
                America with a world-class education from cradle to 
                career. We must continue to build on our Nation's 
                foundation of freedom and ensure equal opportunity, 
                economic security,

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                and civil rights for all Americans. After a historic 
                recession has devastated many American families, and 
                particularly African Americans, we must continue to 
                create jobs, support our middle class, and strengthen 
                pathways for families to climb out of poverty.

                During National African American History Month, we 
                recognize the extraordinary achievements of African 
                Americans and their essential role in shaping the story 
                of America. In honor of their courage and 
                contributions, let us resolve to carry forward together 
                the promise of America for our children.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim February 2011 as 
                National African American History Month. I call upon 
                public officials, educators, librarians, and all the 
                people of the United States to observe this month with 
                appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of February, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-2687
Filed 2-3-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P