[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 4 (Monday, January 30, 2006)]
[Pages 136-137]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7976--National African American History Month, 2006

January 27, 2006

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    As we celebrate National African American History Month, we 
recognize the many contributions of African Americans to our country and 
reinforce our commitment to be a Nation of opportunity and hope for 
every citizen.
    Throughout our history, African Americans have courageously worn our 
Nation's uniform while defending peace and liberty around the globe. 
Patriots like Thurgood Marshall and Rosa Parks broke down racial 
barriers and inspired our Nation to make good on the promise of equal 
justice under law. Educators like Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Frederick 
Patterson transformed the academic world, with the goal of ensuring

[[Page 137]]

that every child has access to a good education. Athletes such as Jesse 
Owens and Wilma Rudolph and entertainers such as Ossie Davis and Ray 
Charles have brought pride and joy to generations of Americans. Today, 
the accomplishments of African Americans in every aspect of our society 
continue to encourage people to reach as far as their vision and dreams 
may take them.
    African-American organizations have played a vital role in achieving 
justice and equal rights, and they have helped make communities across 
our country stronger and better. This year's theme of African American 
History Month, ``Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, 
Social, and Civic Institutions,'' recognizes the African-American groups 
that have worked to confront injustices and expand opportunities. These 
organizations believe in the potential and worth of every person, and 
they have worked to help all Americans receive a quality education, to 
feed the hungry and house the homeless, to encourage youth to make 
healthy choices, and to reach out to others in need. By answering the 
call to love a neighbor as we would like to be loved ourselves, these 
groups have set a positive example, and we continue to be inspired by 
their compassion and service to others.
    Working together, Federal, State, and local government, community 
organizations, and individual citizens will continue to foster hope and 
build a better tomorrow for all our children and grandchildren.
    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 2006 as National 
African American History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, 
and all the people of the United States to observe this month with 
appropriate programs and activities that honor the significant 
contributions African Americans have made to our Nation.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh 
day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., January 31, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
February 1.