[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 5 (Monday, February 3, 1997)]
[Pages 122-123]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6970--National African American History Month, 1997

January 30, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    For much of the past century, the contributions that African 
Americans and other minorities have made to our Nation's progress were 
not fully recognized. African American History Month is an important 
means by which we help right that wrong. It awakens our collective 
social conscience to the importance of giving all of our children a 
complete and accurate record of their country's history. And, perhaps 
most important, it helps to reinforce America's highest ideals--our 
respect for diversity, community, and freedom.
    During this time of celebration and learning we are inspired by the 
courage, wisdom,

[[Page 123]]

and vision of men and women such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, 
Carter G. Woodson, and Fannie Lou Hamer. These great Americans dedicated 
their lives to ensuring that the ideals of freedom and equality are 
guaranteed to all. Their noble efforts--and the efforts of those they 
inspired--renewed the spirit of our founding creed: ``All men are 
created equal.'' As we approach the 21st century, it is more vital than 
ever that we remain vigilant in protecting the ideals these visionary 
leaders fought so hard to uphold. We must continue to extend the circle 
of equality, justice, and opportunity until it embraces every American.
    As we pay homage to our past, throughout the month of February and 
all year long, let us, with enlightened minds and emboldened hearts, 
continue the legacy of the civil rights movement. Let us present a 
diverse but united front to those who would reverse the vital progress 
that has been made. As the world's beacon of hope and freedom, let us 
approach the new millennium keeping this vigil.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, 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 
1997 as National African American History Month. I call upon public 
officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United 
States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, 
and programs that raise awareness of African American history.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 3, 
1997]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
February 4.