National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
Marks Fourteenth Celebration in 2019
In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. On February 14, 2006, the resolution similarly passed the Senate, culminating a two-year, bipartisan and bicameral effort. The Proclamation was issued by President George Bush on June 6, 2006.
Since the declaration, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognizing June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This year marks the fourteenth celebration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
The campaign to designate June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, was spearheaded by Dr. Claire Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies. Through the commemoration of this month, we hope to ensure that America is reminded that its greatness lies in its diversity, with Caribbean immigrants from founding father Alexander Hamilton, to journalist Malcolm Gladwell, who have shaped the American dream.
Our Vision
The Vision of the National Caribbean American Heritage Month movement is an America where all the contributions of the diverse immigrants that have come to these shores are celebrated and the American dream of a melting pot society that honors and promotes inclusive prosperity is realized as we all pursue the unfolding of a more perfect union.
Our Mission
The mission of National Caribbean American Heritage Month is to promote the rich culture and heritage of the Caribbean American people and their contribution to the United States of America. From John Russworm the first Black Newspaper Publisher, to James Weldon Johnson, to General Colin Powell, Hon. Shirley Chisholm, Cicely Tyson, Sanya Richards-Ross and so many more. From South Florida to Boston to Los Angeles, in JUNE cultural events abound organized and curated by Caribbean community leaders in Atlanta, Birmingham, Charleston and more.
PROCLAMATION
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
June 2019
Issued on:
During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we acknowledge the significant ways Caribbean Americans have shaped our culture and heritage. Americans with roots in the Caribbean have greatly enriched our society, contributing to the arts, business, journalism, technology, government, religion, the military, sports, and many other fields.
Through his dedication to his faith, Joseph Sandiford Atwell exemplified the unyielding spirit of Caribbean Americans. Born in Barbados in 1831, Atwell moved to the United States in 1863 and attended the Philadelphia Divinity School. Following the Civil War, he went to spread God’s message of hope and love to the emancipated slaves in the South. Due to the strength of his ministry, he became the first black Episcopal deacon ordained in the Diocese of Kentucky and went on to become the first black Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Virginia.
Earlier this year, I met with the leaders of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, the Republic of Haiti, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia to reaffirm our partnership with the Caribbean. We discussed how we can bring greater prosperity to this important region, including potential opportunities for energy investment and enhanced trade partnerships. We made tremendous progress, and we will build on these discussions to strengthen further the relationship we share with our Caribbean neighbors.
This month, we recognize the vibrant culture and patriotism of Caribbean Americans that continue to bolster our country and enrich our lives, and we pay tribute to the strong friendship between the United States and the countries of the Caribbean.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2019 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.
DONALD J. TRUMP
AGENDA
Here is an outline of the Legislative Week of Activities, for details on each day's events, please click the link below:
JUN 3 US CENCUS 2020 CONFERENCE CALL Online Webinar
JUN 4 SECURING ENERGY FUTURES
Forum ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
JUN 5
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE FORUM CAPITOL HILL HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
JUN 6
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE FORUM - SENATE BRIEFING SENATORS VISITORS CENTER BUILDING
SMART CARIBBEAN 2030: BLUE ECONOMY Forum
INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
JUN 7
30 UNDER 30 CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CHANGEMAKERS
Breakfast Awards Ceremony
INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
YOUTH FORUM ON CARIBBEAN FUTURES
Presentations
INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
DISASTER RESILENCE, HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION
Forum
ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
This is a calendar of events in the DC Metro Area unless otherwise specified:
JUN 1 Caribbean Heritage Festival 2019 Bladensburg, Maryland
Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 VA-110, Arlington, VA
JUN 2 Voices & Verse Coral Springs, Florida
Caribbean American Hertiage Festival Roxbury, Massachusettes
JUN 6-11 Caribbean Reel - 19th Annual DC Caribbean Film Festival
In recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month in June, AFI Silver will present the 19th staging of the DC Caribbean Film Fest.
JUN 8 Become a Caribbean SEA FAN and Celebrate World Oceans Day!
On June 8th, in commemoration of World Oceans Day, tune in online for the virtual Caribbean SeaFan Community, and join the Campaign for a Living Sea!
All across the country, Caribbean American community leaders are organizing events to celebrate the many contributions that Caribbean immigrants have been making to America since founding father Alexander Hamilton and the Haitian contingent who fought in support of the US War of Independence.
