Proclamation 9392-National African American History Month, 2016
Issued 2016-01-29 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation in January 2016 to officially designate February as National African American History Month. The proclamation honors African Americans who fought for equality throughout American history, from those who escaped slavery via the Underground Railroad to civil rights activists in Alabama and across the country. It recognizes their contributions to the nation since its founding and calls for continued commitment to judging people by the content of their character rather than other factors.
This ceremonial proclamation does not create new laws or impose any legal requirements on citizens or government agencies. It serves as a formal statement expressing the President's recognition of African American history and the ongoing work toward equality. The proclamation notes specific progress during the Obama Administration, including higher high school graduation and college enrollment rates for African Americans, a significant decrease in African American unemployment since the Great Recession, health insurance gains through the Affordable Care Act, and declining incarceration rates.
This type of presidential proclamation is purely declaratory and falls within a long executive tradition dating back to George Washington. It brings national attention to African American history during the month of February and acknowledges both historical achievements and remaining challenges, including disparities in the criminal justice system and gaps in educational and employment opportunities.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9392-National African American History Month, 2016" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to african american history. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2016 Proclamation 9392—National African American History Month, 2016 January 29, 2016 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America's greatness is a testament to generations of courageous individuals who, in the face of uncomfortable truths, accepted that the work of perfecting our Nation is unending and strived to expand the reach of freedom to all. For too long, our most basic liberties had been denied to African Americans, and today, we pay tribute to countless good-hearted citizens—along the Underground Railroad, aboard a bus in Alabama, and all across our country—who stood up and sat in to help right the wrongs of our past and extend the promise of America to all our people. During National African American History Month, we recognize these champions of justice and the sacrifices they made to bring us to this point, we honor the contributions of African Americans since our country's beginning, and we recommit to reaching for a day when no person is judged by anything but the content of their character. From the Revolutionary War through the abolitionist movement, to marches from Selma to Montgomery and across America today, African Americans have remained devoted to the proposition