[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 4 (Monday, February 4, 2008)]
[Pages 125-126]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 8218--National African American History Month, 2008

 January 28, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National African American History Month, we honor the 
achievements and celebrate the rich heritage of African Americans.
    Throughout our Nation's history, African Americans from all walks of 
life have offered their talents to the betterment of American society. 
Scholars such as Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. DuBois were early leaders 
who placed great importance on educating all people about the need for 
justice and racial equality. Athletes such as Jackie Robinson and Althea 
Gibson persevered while breaking the color barrier and competing at the 
highest levels of sports. Musicians like Nat King Cole and Billie 
Holiday lifted the American spirit with their creativity and musical 
gifts. Through their extraordinary accomplishments, these leaders helped 
bring our Nation closer to fulfilling its founding ideals.
    This year's theme, ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of 
Multiculturalism,'' honors an educator who taught his fellow citizens 
about the traditions and contributions of African Americans. His 
dedication to educating Americans about cultural diversity initiated 
this celebration of African-American history. Our Nation is now stronger 
and more hopeful because generations of leaders like him have worked to 
help America live up to its promise of equality and the great truth that 
all of God's children are created equal.
    Throughout African American History Month, we celebrate the many 
contributions African Americans have made to our Nation, and we are 
reminded of their courage in their struggle to change the hearts and 
minds of our citizens. While much progress has been made, we must 
continue to work together to achieve the promise and vision of our great 
Nation.
    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 2008 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.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth 
day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., January 30, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on January 29, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
January 31.

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