Bush Urges End to Racism, Celebrates Black History Month

By Kevin Harris Published: Friday, February 11, 2005 President Bush welcomed Black leaders to the White House Tuesday and said as the nation celebrates Black history month, the United States cannot effectively promote freedom abroad if it continues to hold "the baggage of bigotry" at home. Bush made his remarks in a ceremony celebrating black history month. The event marked the second time Bush has made an effort to reach out to the African-American community since winning re-election.Last month, Bush met with the Congressional Black Caucus and vowed to work with the group on its agenda for closing racial disparities, fighting HIV/AIDS in the Black community, and securing more economic opportunity for the poor. Activists Dorothy Height, the great great grandson of Frederick Douglas, Frederick Douglas IV, actress Cicely Tyson and members of the original Tuskegee Airmen attended Tuesday's event. During his speech, Bush harked back on many of the themes from his inaugural address, in which he vowed to help spread freedom and democracy across the globe. "As I said in my inaugural address, we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time," Bush said. "Success of freedom on the home front is critical to its success in foreign lands." Bush spoke of the importance of Black History Month and said it is important for today's children to understand this nation's past struggles with granting equality to all its citizens. Full Story: http://www.thehilltoponline.com/news/2005/02/11/NationWorld/Bush-Urges.End.To.Racism.Celebrates.Black.History.Month-860952.shtml