[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 6 (Monday, February 11, 2002)]
[Pages 174-175]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7522--National African American History Month, 2002

 February 1, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During these extraordinary times, America looks forward to new 
challenges and opportunities with a reinvigorated sense of unity and 
common purpose. We are a strong and vibrant Nation, thanks to the 
creativity, fortitude, and resilience of people of every race and 
background. During National African American History Month, we celebrate 
the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our 
economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development.
    In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson founded The Association for the 
Study of Negro Life and History. Through that Association, he began 
pressing for the establishment of Negro History Week as a way to bring 
national attention to the accomplishments of African Americans. He hoped 
to neutralize the apparent distortions in Black history and to provide a 
more objective and scholarly balance to American and World history.
    Dr. Woodson's dream became a reality in 1926. He chose the second 
week of February for the observance because of its proximity to the 
birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two individuals 
whom Dr. Woodson felt had dramatically affected the lives of African 
Americans. And in 1976, the Association succeeded in expanding the 
observance, which then became Black History Month.
    The theme of National African American History Month for 2002 is 
``The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism Dead?'' The observance calls our 
Nation's attention to the continued need to battle racism and to build a 
society that fully lives up to its democratic ideals. This commitment 
includes ensuring a high-quality education for all Americans, so that no 
child is left behind, and challenges us to continue to rebuild and 
restore our communities, to fight crime and violence, and to pursue 
equal opportunity and equal justice in every part of our society. At the 
same time, the United States must look beyond its borders and take an 
active role in helping to alleviate poverty, stimulate economic growth 
and trade, enhance democracy, and combat HIV/AIDS in Africa.
    This annual event gives all Americans a chance to recognize and 
commemorate the global history of people of African descent. As we 
celebrate National African American History Month, I join with all 
Americans in celebrating our diverse heritage and culture and continuing 
our efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful, and 
prosperous for all.
    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 2002 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

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honor the myriad contributions of African Americans.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 5, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on February 2, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
February 6.