Citing African-American achievers whose
"accomplishments... encourage people to reach as far
as their vision and dreams may take them," President
Bush proclaimed February as African American History Month.
This year's theme, "Celebrating Community:
A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social, and Civic Institutions,"
recognizes organizations that work to achieve justice and
equal rights, and to strengthen the African-American community.
Bush called on all Americans to observe
the month with appropriate programs and activities. The
celebration, he declared, helps "reinforce our commitment
to be a nation of opportunity and hope for every citizen."
For more on U.S. life and culture, see African
Americans.
The text of President's Bush's proclamation
follows:
(begin text)
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
January 27, 2006
NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH,
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 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
(end text)
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