National African American History Month, 2002

Proclamation 7522 of February 1, 2002

National African American History Month, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During these extraordinary times, America looks forward
to new challenges and opportunities with a
reinvigorated sense of unity and common purpose. We are
a strong and vibrant Nation, thanks to the creativity,
fortitude, and resilience of people of every race and
background. During National African American History
Month, we celebrate the many achievements and
contributions made by African Americans to our
economic, cultural, spiritual, and political
development.

In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson founded The
Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
Through that Association, he began pressing for the
establishment of Negro History Week as a way to bring
national attention to the accomplishments of African
Americans. He hoped to neutralize the apparent
distortions in Black history and to provide a more
objective and scholarly balance to American and World
history.

Dr. Woodson's dream became a reality in 1926. He chose
the second week of February for the observance because
of its proximity to the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln
and Frederick Douglass, two individuals whom Dr.
Woodson felt had dramatically affected the lives of
African Americans. And in 1976, the Association
succeeded in expanding the observance, which then
became Black History Month.

The theme of National African American History Month
for 2002 is ``The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism
Dead?'' The observance calls our Nation's attention to
the continued need to battle racism and to build a
society that fully lives up to its democratic ideals.
This commitment includes ensuring a high-quality
education for all Americans, so that no child is left
behind, and challenges us to continue to rebuild and
restore our communities, to fight crime and violence,
and to pursue equal opportunity and equal justice in
every part of our society. At the same time, the United
States must look beyond its borders and take an active
role in helping to alleviate poverty, stimulate
economic growth and trade, enhance democracy, and
combat HIV/AIDS in Africa.

This annual event gives all Americans a chance to
recognize and commemorate the global history of people
of African descent. As we celebrate National African
American History Month, I join with all Americans in
celebrating our diverse heritage and culture and
continuing our efforts to create a world that is more
just, peaceful, and prosperous for all.

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 2002 as National
African American History Month. I call upon public
officials, educators, librarians, and all of the people
of the United States to observe this month with
appropriate programs and activities that highlight and
honor the myriad contributions of African Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of February, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B