[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7756 of February 3, 2004


 
National African American History Month, 2004


By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

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

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118 STAT. 4103

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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PROCLAMATION 7757--FEB. 26, 2004