[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 21 (Thursday, January 31, 2008)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 5705-5706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-459]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 21 / Thursday, January 31, 2008 / 
Presidential Documents

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 5705]]

                Proclamation 8218 of January 28, 2008

                
National African American History Month, 2008

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During National African American History Month, we 
                honor the achievements and celebrate the rich heritage 
                of African Americans.

                Throughout our Nation's history, African Americans from 
                all walks of life have offered their talents to the 
                betterment of American society. Scholars such as 
                Frederick Douglass and W.E.B. DuBois were early leaders 
                who placed great importance on educating all people 
                about the need for justice and racial equality. 
                Athletes such as Jackie Robinson and Althea Gibson 
                persevered while breaking the color barrier and 
                competing at the highest levels of sports. Musicians 
                like Nat King Cole and Billie Holiday lifted the 
                American spirit with their creativity and musical 
                gifts. Through their extraordinary accomplishments, 
                these leaders helped bring our Nation closer to 
                fulfilling its founding ideals.

                This year's theme, ``Carter G. Woodson and the Origins 
                of Multiculturalism,'' honors an educator who taught 
                his fellow citizens about the traditions and 
                contributions of African Americans. His dedication to 
                educating Americans about cultural diversity initiated 
                this celebration of African-American history. Our 
                Nation is now stronger and more hopeful because 
                generations of leaders like him have worked to help 
                America live up to its promise of equality and the 
                great truth that all of God's children are created 
                equal.

                Throughout African American History Month, we celebrate 
                the many contributions African Americans have made to 
                our Nation, and we are reminded of their courage in 
                their struggle to change the hearts and minds of our 
                citizens. While much progress has been made, we must 
                continue to work together to achieve the promise and 
                vision of our great Nation.

                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 2008 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.

[[Page 5706]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
                second. 
                <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT>
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 08-459
Filed 1-30-08; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P