[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 6 (Monday, February 14, 2005)]
[Pages 186-187]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7868--National African American History Month, 2005

 February 7, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Throughout our Nation's history, the contributions of African 
Americans have stirred our Nation's conscience and helped shape our 
character. During National African American History Month, we honor the 
determination and commitment of generations of African Americans in 
pursuing the promises of America.
    The theme of National African American History Month this year, 
``The Niagara Movement: Black Protest Reborn, 1905-2005,'' honors the 
grassroots movement of 1905 to 1910 that was organized to fight racial 
discrimination in America. Led by W.E.B. DuBois, the movement called for 
voting rights for African Americans, opposed school segregation, and 
worked to elect officials committed to fighting racial prejudice. 
Americans today carry on this movement as our Nation strives to live up 
to our founding principle that all of God's children are created equal.
    It is important to teach our children about the heroes of the civil 
rights movement who, with courage and dignity, forced America to 
confront the central defect of our founding. Every American should know 
about the men and women whose determination and persistent eloquence 
forced people of all races to examine their hearts and revise our 
Nation's Constitution and laws. As we celebrate African American History 
Month, we remember how great the struggle for racial justice has been. 
And we renew our efforts to fight for equal rights for all Americans. We 
have made great progress, but our work is not done.
     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 2005 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 programs and activities that honor 
the history, accomplishments, and contributions of African Americans.
     In Witness Whereof,  I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day 
of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 9, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
February 10.

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