Thursday, June 02, 2005

(the "Kingpin Act")

Text of a Letter from the President

This report to the Congress, under section 804(b) of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act, 21 U.S.C. 1901-1908 (the "Kingpin Act"), transmits my designation of the following eight foreign persons and one foreign entity as appropriate for sanctions under the Kingpin Act, and reports my direction of sanctions against them under that Act:

Arriola Marquez Organization
Oscar Arturo Arriola Marquez
Miguel Angel Arriola Marquez
Ignacio Coronel Villareal
Rigoberto Gaxiola Medina
Marco Marino Diodato del Gallo
Otto Roberto Herrera Garcia
Haji Baz Mohammad
Wong Moon Chi

Sincerely, GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary June 2, 2005

Black Music Month, 2005

Black Music Month, 2005, A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

During Black Music Month, we pay tribute to a rich musical tradition and honor the many contributions African-American musicians, singers, and composers have made to the culture of our Nation and to the world. This powerful, moving, and soulful music speaks to every heart, lifting us in times of sorrow and helping us celebrate in times of joy.

Black music's origins are found in the work songs and spirituals that bore witness to the cruelty of bondage and the strength of faith. In the strains of those songs, we hear the voice of hope in the face of injustice. From those roots, black music has grown into a diverse collection of styles, and it continues to evolve today. Black music captures a part of the American spirit and continues to have a profound impact on our country.

This month is an opportunity to reflect upon the achievements of African-American artists and to look forward to the future. We remember Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and countless others for their love of music and their pioneering and passionate spirit. We celebrate today's musicians who continue to build upon the rich and vital heritage of black music.

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 June 2005 as Black Music Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of black music and to enjoy the great contributions of African-American musicians.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH # # # For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary June 2, 2005