[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 5 (Monday, February 8, 1993)]
[Pages 120-121]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 ex- 

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hibit 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