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JUNE IS...CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
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PROCLAMATION BY THE
PRESIDENT:
CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE
MONTH, 2006
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release June 5, 2006
CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2006
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we
celebrate the great contributions of Caribbean Americans to
the fabric of our Nation, and we pay tribute to the common
culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States
and the Caribbean countries.
Our Nation has thrived as a country of
immigrants, and we are more vibrant and hopeful because of
the talent, faith, and values of Caribbean Americans. For
centuries, Caribbean Americans have enriched our society and
added to the strength of America. They have been leaders in
government, sports, entertainment, the arts, and many other
fields.
During the month of June,
we also honor the friendship between the United States and
the Caribbean countries. We are united by our common values
and shared history, and I join all Americans in celebrating
the rich Caribbean heritage and the many ways in which
Caribbean Americans have helped shape this Nation.
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 2006 as Caribbean-American
Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more
about the history of Caribbean Americans and their
contributions to our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States
of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
WHY A CARIBBEAN
AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH?
Over five million Americans proudly share their Caribbean
heritage, especially in promoting and celebrating Caribbean
style Carnivals around the country, for example,
May-Atlanta, June - Washington DC, July – Boston, September-
NY, October- Miami.
The Institute of Caribbean Studies, and its affiliate
organization the Caribbean American Heritage Foundation
wants to have the same national recognition as other ethnic
cultural celebrations, such as National African
American/Black History Month, National Hispanic Heritage
Month, Asia/Pacific American Heritage Month. This national
celebration and recognition can and will only happen with
all Caribbean Americans taking action to succeed in that
goal by appropriately commemorating our heritage, history,
culture and contributions to the US.
Caribbean Americans have done much to shape and form
virtually all areas of life in the United States throughout
our country’s great history.
We must organize and act in harmony to ensure our
contributions are recognized.
Celebrate JUNE. Celebrate CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH.
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Pertinent Information
See the Calendar for the dates of the events.
Caribbean American Heritage Days of Faith, June 1-3
The first weekend of JUNE (June 1-3) has been designated CARIBBEAN AMERICAN DAYS OF FAITH. Please reach out to members of the clergy in your city and encourage them to include a Caribbean element in their services and tributes of Caribbean contributions to American life on Sunday services. A sample of litany, readings and prayers are available from the Foundation. Send Email to caribbeanamerican@gmail.com for additional information.
Caribbean American Interfaith Worship Service, June 17
An Inter-Faith Worship Service will be held in Washington DC on Sunday, June 17th at 3:00pm to commemorate the work and give thanks for Caribbean Americans who have contributed to wellbeing in Caribbean American communities across America. The Worship service will include representatives of various traditions including Protestant, Hindu, Moslem, Rastafari and Shoutre Baptist. SteelBand music and Caribbean Sacred music will be featured.
Caribbean American Family Day, June 17
June 17th has been designated Caribbean American Family Day. Community leaders and families are urged to plan Family Fun Days where first and second generation Caribbean Americans can come together to do activities to celebrate our culture. Activities for children include soccer matches; lime and spoon races, three-legged races; maypole dancing; speech competitions, Anansi & Brer Rabbit storytelling. Other activities may include domino tournaments for adults.
Caribbean American Legislative Forum, June 18
The Annual Caribbean American Legislative Forum on Capitol Hill is the only Caribbean event hosted by Congress persons each year which provides us an opportunity to dialogue directly with Congressional leaders and their staff. This Forum which began in 1999 provides an opportunity for Caribbean Americans to partner with Caribbean Embassies and Legislators in a dialogue aimed at advancing mutual knowledge and understanding of legislation before the Congress and its impact on our community. The Forum will take place on JUNE 18th in Washington DC in Rayburn House Office Building. All Caribbean community leaders are encouraged to attend. Organizations are invited also to partner as cosponsors. Attendance is FREE, But PRE-REGISTRATION is required. SPACE IS LIMITED. To register please visit www.icsdc.org. Registration opens JUNE 4th.
Caribbean American Leadership Council
A Meeting of Caribbean elected officials is expected to take place on June 18th in parallel with the 9th Annual Caribbean American Legislative Forum. The Meeting will bring together Caribbean American elected officials, with political appointees with Caribbean Community Leaders to discuss implications of Caribbean American Heritage Month. By invitation only.
Conference on the Caribbean, June 19-21
The Caribbean Diplomatic Corps will host a Diaspora Forum for Caribbean American Community Leaders and Friends of the Caribbean during the Conference on the Caribbean on June 19-21. It will include meetings with Ministers of Government. For more Information visit www.conferenceonthecaribbean.org
Caribbean American Business Council Breakfast
A Breakfast Meeting of the Caribbean American Business Council is slated to take place in June 21st in parallel with the Caribbean American Leadership Conference. The Event which targets Caribbean American owned Small and Medium Enterprises will bring participants in contact with key leaders in Small Business Administration and Minority Business Enterprise Development to engage Caribbean American owned Businesses in the Federal and private supplier diversity opportunities. By invitation only.
Caribbean American Tribute to Hollywood and the Arts – June 23
ICS West Coast affiliate the Caribbean Heritage Organization will launch the first Annual CAHM Tribute to Hollytwood and the Arts with a star-studded gala honoring the noted Suzanne Depasse. Conceived CHO and ICS, the event will bring together Caribbean Americans active in the film and entertainment industry to play tribute to Caribbean American contributions in the film industry. For more information go to www.caribbeanheritage.org
Cricket On The National Mall – June 24
Following the DC Caribbean Carnival, on SUNDAY, JUNE 24, the Washington Cricket Board and the Washington DC Cricket League will team with the Caribbean American Heritage Foundation to sponsor the first annual Cricket on the National Mall, One Day Cricket Match. For additional information send email to: caribbeanamerican@gmail.com
Student Leadership Conference – June 29
The Second Annual Caribbean American Student Leadership Conference will take place in South Florida on JUNE 29th. The Conference will reach out especially to student leadership in Caribbean Student Organizations in Universities across the Country. For information on how you can participate, contact Glenn Joseph at (754) 224-8150 or Asa Sealey at (786) 521-9205. Registration is required.
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