[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7976--JAN. 27, 2006
Proclamation 7976 of January 27, 2006
National African American History Month, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
As we celebrate National African American History Month, we recognize
the many contributions of African Americans to our country and reinforce
our commitment to be a Nation of opportunity and hope for every citizen.
Throughout our history, African Americans have courageously worn our
Nation's uniform while defending peace and liberty around the globe.
Patriots like Thurgood Marshall and Rosa Parks broke down racial
barriers and inspired our Nation to make good on the promise of equal
justice under law. Educators like Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Frederick
Patterson transformed the academic world, with the goal of

[[Page 3756]]
120 STAT. 3756

ensuring that every child has access to a good education. Athletes such
as Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph and entertainers such as Ossie Davis
and Ray Charles have brought pride and joy to generations of Americans.
Today, the accomplishments of African Americans in every aspect of our
society continue to encourage people to reach as far as their vision and
dreams may take them.
African-American organizations have played a vital role in achieving
justice and equal rights, and they have helped make communities across
our country stronger and better. This year's theme of African American
History Month, ``Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal,
Social, and Civic Institutions,'' recognizes the African-American groups
that have worked to confront injustices and expand opportunities. These
organizations believe in the potential and worth of every person, and
they have worked to help all Americans receive a quality education, to
feed the hungry and house the homeless, to encourage youth to make
healthy choices, and to reach out to others in need. By answering the
call to love a neighbor as we would like to be loved ourselves, these
groups have set a positive example, and we continue to be inspired by
their compassion and service to others.
Working together, Federal, State, and local government, community
organizations, and individual citizens will continue to foster hope and
build a better tomorrow for all our children and grandchildren.
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 2006 as National
African American History Month. I call upon public officials, educators,
and all the people of the United States to observe this month with
appropriate programs and activities that honor the significant
contributions African Americans have made to our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day
of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH