[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 24 (Friday, February 4, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 6521-6522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2687]
[[Page 6519]]
Vol. 76
Friday,
No. 24
February 4, 2011
Part II
The President
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Proclamation 8627--National African American History Month, 2011
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 24 / Friday, February 4, 2011 /
Presidential Documents
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Title 3--
The President
[[Page 6521]]
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, 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,
[[Page 6522]]
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.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2011-2687
Filed 2-3-11; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P