THE WHITE HOUSE
                       Office of the Press Secretary
_________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release                           December 22, 2000
                               KWANZAA 2000
         Warm greetings to everyone celebrating Kwanzaa.
        One of the best ways we can shape the future is to preserve what we
   value of our past.  The celebration of Kwanzaa is a wonderful example of
   this endeavor.  With its focus on the values that have sustained African
   Americans through the centuries -- unity, self-determination,
   col-lective work and respon-s-ibility, cooperative economics, purpose,
   creativity, and faith -- Kwanzaa also emphasizes the importance of
   strong families and communities to our success as a nation in the years
   to come.
        African Americans have a proud history and a rich heritage.  During
   this holiday season, as Americans of many different back-grounds
   remember and rejoice in their cultural and religious traditions, let us
   all give thanks for the diversity that is among America's greatest
   strengths, and let us unite around the shared dreams and values that
   bind us together as one nation.
        Hillary joins me in sending best wishes to all for a memorable
   Kwanzaa and for peace and happiness in the years to come.
                                 WILLIAM J. CLINTON
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