National African American History Month, 2008

Proclamation 8218 of January 28, 2008

National African American History Month, 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.