Barbara Lee Hails Passage of Caribbean American Heritage Month Resolution

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed a resolution introduced by Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) that would recognize the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Congresswoman Lee hailed the passage of the bill.

“Caribbean-American Heritage Month provides us an opportunity to strengthen our long-term partnership with nations of the Caribbean Community through greater dialogue and engagement.  From disaster preparedness, trade and energy, education, and the campaign against HIV/AIDS, we share a number of mutual policy interests with our Caribbean neighbors.

“Additionally, it reminds us of the large and diverse constituencies of Caribbean-Americans in our nation, and provides us with an opportunity to send a message of good will to the Caribbean community both here and abroad.

“I am very proud to see us celebrate this important commemorative month for the fourth straight year and I encourage all Americans to celebrate and learn more about the rich history and culture of Caribbean-Americans in the United States.”

Congresswoman Lee has led the effort to establish June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. In June 2005, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, authored by Congresswoman 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 resolution’s passage, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognizing June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month.  President Obama issued this year’s proclamation on June 2.