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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