For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 4, 2004
National African American History Month 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
African American History Month
During National African American History Month, we honor the
heritage and accomplishments of African Americans and recognize their
extraordinary contributions to the United States.
African Americans have upheld the ideals of America, defended our
homeland, and enriched American culture and society. Brave leaders such
as Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, Martin Luther
King, Jr., and Leon Sullivan caused America to examine its heart and to
respect the dignity and equality of all people, regardless of race.
Today, African Americans are leaders at the highest levels of the
military, business, education, law, government, the arts, sports, and
religion.
To help share the stories of the millions of African Americans who
have strengthened our country, I recently signed legislation
establishing the National Museum of African American History and
Culture as a part of the Smithsonian Institution. This museum will
commemorate the triumphs of African Americans -- their determination in
overcoming the evil of slavery and discrimination and their many
achievements and contributions to our Nation.
This year's National African American History Month celebrates the
50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1954 decision in Brown v. Board
of Education. In that landmark decision, the Supreme Court declared an
end to the shameful and unconstitutional practice of legal segregation
in schools, ruling unanimously that the Constitution requires all
Americans to be treated equally without regard to the color of their
skin. The Brown decision transformed America and fulfilled the
principles of our Constitution. This year, we remember the brave
schoolchildren and parents who challenged segregation. We recognize
the legal and moral advocates who paved the way for this decision,
including Thurgood Marshall, the heroic lawyer who represented Linda
Brown and fought for her rights and the rights of all African
Americans. We remember the nine justices of the Supreme Court who
helped America begin to make equal justice under law a reality for
African Americans. Nearly 50 years after Brown, we are grateful for
the progress America has made, but we also recognize that there is
still work to be done to ensure that our country lives up to the
founding principle that all of God's children are created equal.
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 2004 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
highlight and honor the contributions African Americans have made to
our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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