    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [January 20, 1995]
    [Pages 64-65]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message on the Observance of National African American History Month,
    February 1995
    January 20, 1995

        Warm greetings to everyone celebrating African American History
    Month, 1995.
        Hillary and I join you in marking the brave efforts of the countless
    Americans throughout our nation's history who have demanded justice,
    declared an end to segregation, and fought to ensure that every
    individual has the opportunity to build a brighter future for themselves
    and their families.
        Today, there is a renewed sense of hope in America--a hope based on
    the idea that our great diversity can unite rather than divide our
    society. It is the same hope that has inspired African Americans since
    ur country's beginnings to dream of a nation in which all people enjoy
    the freedom to make their own lasting contributions to our world. If we
    are truly to build on history's rich lessons, we must always remember
    these pioneers' pivotal roles in American history.
        Ours can be a land of unprecedented peace and prosperity in the
    twenty-first century if we have the faith that Martin Luther King
    described, the faith to ``transform the jangling discords of our nation
    into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood.'' We must never cease striving
    to bring people together across racial and cultural barriers. This is
    our generation's most solemn calling and most important challenge.
        I urge everyone, during African American History Month and
    throughout the year, to take up this challenge and to learn more about
    the black Americans who have made this country great.

                                                                Bill Clinton

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