[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8400--AUG. 20, 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 opti-

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mism. 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.
BARACK OBAMA