Proclamations Proc. 7522 promoting the benefits of knowing and administering cardiopulmonary re- suscitation, until advanced care can be given to restore a normal heartbeat. At this observance of American Heart Month, we pay tribute to the re- searchers, physicians, and other health professionals, public education pro- fessionals, and volunteers for their tireless efforts in preventing, treating, and researching heart disease. We recognize the critical importance of de- veloping tools that will increase survival rates from heart attacks and car- diac arrest. By incorporating these new tools into aggressive education pro- grams and partnerships, we can save tens of thousands of lives annually. In recognition of the important needs in the ongoing fight against cardio- vascular disease, the Congress, by }oint Resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 10\177), has requested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as "American Heart Month." 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 2002 as American Heart Month. I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the iurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in reaffirming our commitment to combating cardiovascular disease and stroke. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of Feb- ruary, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7522 of February 1, 2002 National African American History Month, 2002 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During these extraordinary times, America looks forward to new challenges and opportunities with a reinvigorated sense of unity and common pur- pose. We are a strong and vibrant Nation, thanks to the creativity, fortitude, and resilience of people of every race and background. During National Af- rican American History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by African Americans to our economic, cultural, spir- itual, and political development. In 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson founded The Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. Through that Association, he began press- ing for the establishment of Negro History Week as a way to bring national attention to the accomplishments of African Americans. He hoped to neu- tralize the apparent distortions in Black history and to provide a more ob- jective and scholarly balance to American and World history. Dr. Woodson's dream became a reality in 1926. He chose the second week of February for the observance because of its proximity to the birthdays of 7
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