For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 27, 2006
National African American History Month, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
African American History
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
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