Presidential Documents

5155 

Federal Register 

Vol. 71, No. 21 

Wednesday, February 1, 2006 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 7976 of January 27, 2006 

National African American History Month, 2006 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

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. 


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5156 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 21 / Wednesday, February 1, 2006 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

W 

[FR Doc. 06–991 

Filed 1–31–06; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–01–P 


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