[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

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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 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.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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