For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 7, 2005
National African American History Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
African American History
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
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