Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2009

Proclamation 8400 of August 20, 2009

Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation's strength rests on the ingenuity and
creativity of the American people. Across our country,
almost 4 million minority-owned firms exemplify this
spirit as they create jobs, develop new products and
services, and promote community and economic
development. The growth and expansion of these
businesses is an increasingly critical part of our
economic recovery and long-term prosperity.

At a time when too many Americans are facing
extraordinary economic challenges, supporting the
development of minority-owned enterprises will help
accelerate the revitalization of our economy. Of the
630,000 minority-owned employer firms, these businesses
are providing employment and stability to 4.7 million
workers while renewing urban neighborhoods and rural
communities. They represent a key component of future
growth for our economy.

Minority Enterprise Development Week is an opportunity
to commemorate the tremendous value minority
entrepreneurs and their employees bring to our economy
and our Nation as a whole. They embody the timeless
American values of hard work, integrity, and optimism.
They also serve as role models to countless children
who want to start their own business or reach their
personal goals. Through their accomplishments and
example, these leaders affirm that, with determination
and commitment, every American can achieve his or her
potential and live out their dreams.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 August 23 through August 29,
2009, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I call
upon all Americans to celebrate this week with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to
recognize the many contributions of our Nation's
minority enterprises.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twentieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.