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About National Caribbean-American Heritage Month

"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.

Since the declaration, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognizing June as 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.

For centuries, the United States and nations in the Caribbean have grown alongside each other as partners in progress. Separated by sea but united by a yearning for independence, our countries won the right to chart their own destinies after generations of colonial rule. Time and again, we have led the way to a brighter future together -- from lifting the stains of slavery and segregation to widening the circle of opportunity for our sons and daughters.

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate those enduring achievements. It is also a chance to recognize men and women who trace their roots to the Caribbean. Through every chapter of our Nation's history, Caribbean Americans have made our country stronger -- reshaping our politics and reigniting the arts, spurring our movements and answering the call to serve. Caribbean traditions have enriched our own, and woven new threads into our cultural fabric. Again and again, Caribbean immigrants and their descendants have reaffirmed America's promise as a land of opportunity -- a place where no matter who you are or where you come from, you can make it if you try.

FAMOUS CARIBBEAN-AMERICANS

Al Roker
Alexander Hamilton
Bob Marley
Cicely Tyson
Claude McKay
Colin Powell
Desi Arnez
Doug E. Fresh
Garcelle Beauvais
Harry Belafonte
Heather Headley
Jamaica Kincaid
Karlie Redd
Karrine Steffans
Kelsey Grammer
Kerry Washington
Laz Alonso
Nia Long
Sandra “Pepa” Denton
Shaggy Orville Richard Burrell
Shakara Ledard
Shontelle
Sidney Poitier
Tatyana Marisol Ali
Timothy Theodore “Tim” Duncan
Tyson Beckford
Zoe Saldana"

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