[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 22 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 5719-5720]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-2778]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 22 / Tuesday, February 3, 1998 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 5719]]
Proclamation 7067 of January 30, 1998
National African American History Month, 1998
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
African American history is one of the great human
chronicles of all time. It is the story of men and
women who, with extraordinary courage and faith,
prevailed against centuries of slavery and
discrimination to build lives for themselves and their
families and to contribute immeasurably to the strength
and character of our Nation. It is the story of
millions of people who arrived on these shores in
chains, yet who had the greatness of heart and spirit
to love this country for its possibilities. It is the
story of generations of heroes who with their labor,
voices, vision, and blood sought to change the essence
of our society--our laws, institutions, and attitudes--
to reflect the fundamental American ideals of freedom,
justice, and equality. African American history is
ultimately the story of America's struggle to become a
more perfect union.
Each year during the month of February, we focus on a
particular aspect of African American history to
broaden our knowledge and deepen our appreciation of
the countless contributions African Americans have made
to the life of our Nation. This year's theme, ``African
Americans in Business: The Path Towards Empowerment,''
presents an opportunity not only to celebrate these
contributions, but also to build on them.
Our Nation's system of free enterprise has been a sure
path to inclusion and independence for generations of
Americans, and today African American entrepreneurs are
reaping its many rewards. In every facet of American
endeavor, in the fields of health care, law,
government, and education; as artists, bankers,
scientists, and computer programmers, African Americans
are excelling and adding significantly to the strength
of our economy. If current trends continue, African
Americans will account for nearly 12 percent of the
American labor force by the year 2000. And even more
promising, according to the most recent data available
from the U.S. Census, the number of businesses owned by
African Americans has grown at an impressive annual
rate and significantly faster than the number of new
U.S. businesses overall. These statistics are a
testament to the perseverance, hard work, and energy of
African Americans and of their enduring faith in the
American Dream.
As we celebrate National African American History
Month, let us resolve to build on this record of
success. We must ensure that every American shares
equal access to a quality education--an education that
will offer the knowledge and skills necessary to fill
the jobs of the 21st century. We must strive to
eradicate every trace of discrimination from our
society and the American workplace. And we must work
together--government, private industry, community
organizations, and concerned citizens--to invest in all
our people, providing them with the tools they need to
succeed and widening the circle of opportunity.
[[Page 5720]]
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 1998 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 ceremonies, activities, and programs that
raise awareness and appreciation of African American
history.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-second.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 98-2778
Filed 2-2-98; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
