[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8627 of February 1, 2011

National African American History Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The great abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass once told us, ``If
there is no struggle, there is no progress.'' Progress in America has
not come easily, but has resulted from the collective efforts of
generations. For centuries, African American men and women have
persevered to enrich our national life and bend the arc of history
toward justice. From resolute Revolutionary War soldiers fighting for
liberty to the hardworking students of today reaching for horizons their
ancestors could only have imagined, African Americans have strengthened
our Nation by leading reforms, overcoming obstacles, and breaking down
barriers. During National African American History Month, we celebrate
the vast contributions of African Americans to our Nation's history and
identity.
This year's theme, ``African Americans and the Civil War,'' invites us
to reflect on 150 years since the start of the Civil War and on the
patriots of a young country who fought for the promises of justice and
equality laid out by our forbearers. In the Emancipation Proclamation,
President Abraham Lincoln not only extended freedom to those still
enslaved within rebellious areas, he also opened the door for African
Americans to join the Union effort.
Tens of thousands of African Americans enlisted in the United States
Army and Navy, making extraordinary sacrifices to help unite a fractured
country and free millions from slavery. These gallant soldiers, like
those in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, served with
distinction, braving both intolerance and the perils of war to inspire a
Nation and expand the domain of freedom. Beyond the battlefield,

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black men and women also supported the war effort by serving as
surgeons, nurses, chaplains, spies, and in other essential roles. These
brave Americans gave their energy, their spirit, and sometimes their
lives for the noble cause of liberty.
Over the course of the next century, the United States struggled to
deliver fundamental civil and human rights to African Americans, but
African Americans would not let their dreams be denied. Though Jim Crow
segregation slowed the onward march of history and expansion of the
American dream, African Americans braved bigotry and violence to
organize schools, churches, and neighborhood organizations. Bolstered by
strong values of faith and community, black men and women have launched
businesses, fueled scientific advances, served our Nation in the Armed
Forces, sought public office, taught our children, and created
groundbreaking works of art and entertainment. To perfect our Union and
provide a better life for their children, tenacious civil rights
pioneers have long demanded that America live up to its founding
principles, and their efforts continue to inspire us.
Though we inherit the extraordinary progress won by the tears and toil
of our predecessors, we know barriers still remain on the road to equal
opportunity. Knowledge is our strongest tool against injustice, and it
is our responsibility to empower every child in America with a world-
class education from cradle to career. We must continue to build on our
Nation's foundation of freedom and ensure equal opportunity, economic
security, and civil rights for all Americans. After a historic recession
has devastated many American families, and particularly African
Americans, we must continue to create jobs, support our middle class,
and strengthen pathways for families to climb out of poverty.
During National African American History Month, we recognize the
extraordinary achievements of African Americans and their essential role
in shaping the story of America. In honor of their courage and
contributions, let us resolve to carry forward together the promise of
America for our children.
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 2011 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, ceremonies, and
activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA