[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2015)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 6421-6422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-02374]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 23 / Wednesday, February 4, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 6421]]


                Proclamation 9230 of January 30, 2015

                
National African American History Month, 2015

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                For generations, the story of American progress has 
                been shaped by the inextinguishable beliefs that change 
                is always possible and a brighter future lies ahead. 
                With tremendous strength and abiding resolve, our 
                ancestors--some of whom were brought to this land in 
                chains--have woven their resilient dignity into the 
                fabric of our Nation and taught us that we are not 
                trapped by the mistakes of history. It was these truths 
                that found expression as foot soldiers and Freedom 
                Riders sat in and stood up, marched and agitated for 
                justice and equality. This audacious movement gave 
                birth to a new era of civil and voting rights, and 
                slowly, we renewed our commitment to an ideal at the 
                heart of our founding: no matter who you are, what you 
                look like, how modest your beginnings, or the 
                circumstances of your birth, you deserve every 
                opportunity to achieve your God-given potential.

                As we mark National African American History Month, we 
                celebrate giants of the civil rights movement and 
                countless other men and women whose names are etched in 
                the hearts of their loved ones and the cornerstones of 
                the country they helped to change. We pause to reflect 
                on our progress and our history--not only to remember, 
                but also to acknowledge our unfinished work. We reject 
                the false notion that our challenges lie only in the 
                past, and we recommit to advancing what has been left 
                undone.

                Brave Americans did not struggle and sacrifice to 
                secure fundamental rights for themselves and others 
                only to see those rights denied to their children and 
                grandchildren. Our Nation is still racked with division 
                and poverty. Too many children live in crumbling 
                neighborhoods, cycling through substandard schools and 
                being affected by daily violence in their communities. 
                And Americans of all races have seen their wages and 
                incomes stagnate while inequality continues to hold 
                back hardworking families and entire communities.

                But the trajectory of our history gives us hope. Today, 
                we stand on the shoulders of courageous individuals who 
                endured the thumps of billy clubs, the blasts of fire 
                hoses, and the pain of watching dreams be deferred and 
                denied. We honor them by investing in those around us 
                and doing all we can to ensure every American can reach 
                their full potential. Our country is at its best when 
                everyone is treated fairly and has the chance to build 
                the future they seek for themselves and their family. 
                This means providing the opportunity for every person 
                in America to access a world-class education, safe and 
                affordable housing, and the job training that will 
                prepare them for the careers of tomorrow.

                Like the countless, quiet heroes who worked and bled 
                far from the public eye, we know that with enough 
                effort, empathy, and perseverance, people who love 
                their country can change it. Together, we can help our 
                Nation live up to its immense promise. This month, let 
                us continue that unending journey toward a more just, 
                more equal, and more perfect Union.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim February 2015 as

[[Page 6422]]

                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, ceremonies, and activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2015-02374
Filed 2-3-15; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5