[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 34, Number 5 (Monday, February 2, 1998)]
[Pages 169-170]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7067--National African American History Month, 1998

January 30, 1998

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    African American history is one of the great human chronicles of all 
time. It is the story of men and women who, with extraordinary courage 
and faith, prevailed against centuries of slavery and discrimination to 
build lives for themselves and their families and to contribute 
immeasurably to the strength and character of our Nation. It is the 
story of millions of people who arrived on these shores in chains, yet 
who had the greatness of heart and spirit to love this country for its 
possibilities. It is the story of generations of heroes who with their 
labor, voices, vision, and blood sought to change the essence of our 
society--our laws, institutions, and attitudes--to reflect the 
fundamental American ideals of freedom, justice, and equality. African 
American history is ultimately the story of America's struggle to become 
a more perfect union.
    Each year during the month of February, we focus on a particular 
aspect of African American history to broaden our knowledge and deepen 
our appreciation of the countless contributions African Americans have 
made to the life of our Nation. This year's theme, ``African Americans 
in Business: The Path Towards Empowerment,'' presents an opportunity not 
only to celebrate these contributions, but also to build on them.
    Our Nation's system of free enterprise has been a sure path to 
inclusion and independence for generations of Americans, and today 
African American entrepreneurs are reaping its many rewards. In every 
facet of American endeavor, in the fields of health care, law, 
government, and education; as artists, bankers, scientists, and computer 
programmers, African Americans are excelling and adding significantly to 
the strength of our economy. If current trends continue, African 
Americans will account for nearly 12 percent of the American labor force 
by the year 2000. And even more promising, according to the most recent 
data available from the U.S. Census, the number of businesses owned by 
African Americans has grown at an impressive annual rate and 
significantly faster than the number of new U.S. businesses overall. 
These statistics are a testament to the perseverance, hard work, and 
energy of African Americans and of their enduring faith in the American 
Dream.
    As we celebrate National African American History Month, let us 
resolve to build on this record of success. We must ensure that every 
American shares equal access to a quality education--an education that 
will

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offer the knowledge and skills necessary to fill the jobs of the 21st 
century. We must strive to eradicate every trace of discrimination from 
our society and the American workplace. And we must work together--
government, private industry, community organizations, and concerned 
citizens--to invest in all our people, providing them with the tools 
they need to succeed and widening the circle of opportunity.
    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 
1998 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 and appreciation 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-eight, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twenty-second.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 2, 
1998]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
February 3.