    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book I)]
    [February 1, 1993]
    [Page 28]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 28]]

    Message on National African-American History Month
    February 1, 1993

        This February we rediscover, celebrate, and honor the history and
    achievements of African-Americans during National African-American
    History Month.
        In 1993, I am proud to recognize that more African-Americans serve
    in the President's Cabinet than ever before in the history of our
    country. We are nearing the day when we will have built a new home for
    America, a home where all Americans will have a place at the table.
        Understanding our past makes us aware of how far we have come and
    how far we have to go. Last month, for the first time in many years, our
    National Archives displayed for the public the Emancipation
    Proclamation. That document, signed by President Abraham Lincoln on
    January 1, 1863, launched the beginning of a life of freedom for
    millions of African-American people.
        For several months last year, individuals and groups of citizens had
    been writing to the National Archives to inquire whether the historic
    document would be exhibited over the new year holiday in honor of its
    anniversary. After considering the matter, the National Archives decided
    to arrange an exhibit.
        The fragile document was shown in our Nation's Capital for five days
    adjacent to the original Charters of Freedom--the Declaration of
    Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of
    Rights. The exhibit reminded America of how liberty had once been denied
    to a particular segment of our population. The diverse backgrounds of
    the people in those lines each day, however, showed how the history of
    African-Americans touches all of us.
        The public response was overwhelming. People came from all walks of
    life, with their children or their friends, from every corner of our
    country, to see for themselves the pieces of paper that meant for
    millions the difference between slavery and freedom. Each night at
    closing time, the National Archives had to extend the visiting hours to
    accommodate people who had waited in line for nearly three hours.
    Indeed, the efforts of the few citizens that gave birth to the exhibit
    brought to life for thousands the story of freedom in America.
        I invite all Americans to rediscover that story and others as our
    Nation observes National African-American History Month.

                                                          William J. Clinton