This National Black History Month, we celebrate the vast contributions of Black Americans to our country and recognize that Black history is American history and that Black culture, stories, and triumphs are at the core of who we are as a Nation.
The soul of America is what makes us unique among all nations. We are the only country in the world founded on an idea. It is the idea that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated with equal dignity throughout our lives. While we still grapple today with the moral stain and vestiges of slavery — our country’s original sin — we have never walked away from the fight to fully realize the promise of America for all Americans. Throughout our history, Black Americans have never given up on the promise of America. Unbowed by the forces of hate and undaunted as they fought for centuries against slavery, segregation, and injustice, Black Americans have held a mirror up to our Nation, allowing our country to confront hard truths about who we are and pushing us to live up to our founding ideals. They have helped redeem the soul of our Nation, ensuring the promises in our founding documents were not just words on a page but a lived reality for all people. In the process, the vibrancy of Black history and culture has enriched every aspect of American life.
Since taking office, the Vice President and I have worked to continue this legacy of progress and lay down a foundation for a stronger, more equitable Nation. On my first day as President, I signed a historic Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. In February 2023, I signed an additional Executive Order to acknowledge the unbearable human costs of systemic racism and to direct the entire Federal Government to advance equity for those who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent discrimination, poverty, and inequality, including the Black community. That includes building an economy that grows from the middle out and bottom up, not the top down. So far, we have created over 14 million jobs and in 2023, the Black unemployment rate was lower than in any other year on record.
We are addressing historic health inequities for Black Americans by making systemic changes to our health care systems that increase healthcare access while lowering costs. Today, more Black Americans have health insurance than at any previous time in American history. We are working to address the Black maternal health crisis — ensuring dignity, safety, and support for Black moms. The Vice President has helped elevate this critical issue to a national priority by calling on States to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage from two months to one year.
My Administration is also working to close racial gaps in education and economic opportunity. To that end, we have delivered over $7 billion in funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and are working to expand access to home-ownership — a major source of generational wealth for families — while aggressively combating racial discrimination in housing. Our update to the Thrifty Food Plan is keeping 400,000 Black kids out of poverty every month and making sure millions more have enough food to eat. By 2025, we are working to ensure that 15percent of Federal contracting dollars goes to small disadvantaged businesses, including Black-owned small businesses. We are also replacing poisonous lead pipes so every American can turn on a faucet at home or school and drink clean water.
To deliver equal justice under the law, we are appointing judges to the Federal bench who reflect all of America, including Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and more Black women to the Federal circuit courts than all previous administrations combined. I also signed a historic Executive Order that implemented key elements of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act: banning chokeholds and restricting no knock warrants by Federal law enforcement, creating a national database of officer misconduct, and promoting effective and accountable community policing that advances public trust and safety. I also signed the first major gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years as well as a long-overdue law to make lynching a Federal hate crime in Emmett Till’s name. My Administration continues to call on the Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to secure the right to vote for every American.
Today, I am reminded of something Amelia Boynton said when reflecting on her march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on what would be known as Bloody Sunday: “You can never know where you’re going unless you know where you’ve been.” America is a great Nation because we choose to learn the good, the bad, and the full truth of the history of our country — histories and truths that we must preserve and protect for the next generation. This National Black History Month, as we remember where we have been, may we also recognize that our only way forward is by marching together.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., 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 2024 as National Black History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with relevant programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of January, in the year of our Lord twothousandtwenty-four, and of the Independence of the UnitedStates ofAmerica the twohundred and forty-eighth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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Black History Month
Black History Month is a month-long observance in the United States that celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. It is an opportunity to recognize the significant impact that Black individuals have had on various aspects of American society, including politics, arts and culture, science, and civil rights. Black History Month serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the diverse experiences and accomplishments of Black Americans.
Black culture
Black culture refers to the unique customs, traditions, art forms, music, literature, and other expressions of creativity that have emerged from the Black community. It encompasses a wide range of cultural practices and artistic contributions that have enriched American society. Black culture has had a profound influence on various aspects of American culture, including music genres like jazz, blues, and hip-hop, as well as fashion, dance, literature, and cuisine.
Racial equity
Racial equity refers to the fair and just treatment of individuals of all races, with a particular focus on addressing historical and systemic disparities that have disproportionately affected marginalized communities, including the Black community. Achieving racial equity involves dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring that all individuals have equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights, regardless of their race or ethnicity. It requires acknowledging and addressing the impact of historical and ongoing discrimination and working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Underserved communities
Underserved communities are those that have historically faced limited access to resources, opportunities, and services, often due to systemic barriers and discrimination. These communities may include low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, rural areas, and other marginalized groups. Addressing the needs of underserved communities involves implementing policies and initiatives that aim to reduce disparities and provide equal access to essential services such as healthcare, education, housing, and economic opportunities.
Economic opportunity
Economic opportunity refers to the ability of individuals and communities to access and benefit from resources and opportunities that contribute to economic well-being and upward mobility. It involves creating an environment where individuals have access to quality education, job opportunities, affordable housing, and support for entrepreneurship. Promoting economic opportunity for all individuals, including those from underserved communities, is crucial for reducing inequality and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Health inequities
Health inequities refer to disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare that are influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors. These inequities disproportionately affect marginalized communities, including the Black community. Addressing health inequities involves implementing policies and programs that aim to improve access to healthcare services, reduce barriers to healthcare, and address the social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and limited access to healthy food and safe environments.
Maternal health crisis
The maternal health crisis refers to the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women in the United States. Black women are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth and are at a higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes compared to women of other racial and ethnic groups. Addressing the maternal health crisis involves improving access to quality prenatal care, addressing racial disparities in healthcare, and implementing policies and initiatives that prioritize the health and well-being of Black mothers.
Racial discrimination
Racial discrimination refers to the unjust treatment or differential treatment of individuals based on their race or ethnicity. It involves the denial of rights, opportunities, and resources to individuals or groups based on their racial background. Racial discrimination can occur in various settings, including housing, employment, education, healthcare, and criminal justice. Combating racial discrimination involves implementing anti-discrimination laws, promoting diversity and inclusion, and raising awareness about the impact of racism on individuals and communities.
Federal contracting
Federal contracting refers to the process by which the U.S. federal government awards contracts to businesses for the provision of goods and services. The federal government has set goals to ensure that a certain percentage of federal contracting dollars are awarded to small disadvantaged businesses, including Black-owned small businesses. This initiative aims to promote economic opportunities for historically marginalized groups and increase their participation in government contracting.
Lead pipes
Lead pipes refer to plumbing pipes that are made of or contain lead. Lead is a toxic metal that can leach into drinking water when it comes into contact with lead pipes. Exposure to lead can have serious health effects, particularly on children, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Replacing lead pipes with safer alternatives is an important step in ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water for all Americans.
Voting rights
Voting rights refer to the legal and political rights of individuals to participate in the electoral process and cast their votes in elections. Protecting and expanding voting rights is crucial for ensuring a fair and democratic society. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act are legislative proposals aimed at strengthening voting rights protections and addressing barriers to voting, particularly for marginalized communities.
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