National African American History Month, 2005

Proclamation 7868 of February 7, 2005

National African American History Month, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

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.

(Presidential Sig.)B