Congressional Black Caucus Commemorates Caribbean American Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, to commemorate Caribbean American Heritage Month, members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statements:

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Representative Steven Horsford (NV-04):

"Caribbean American Heritage Month is an important time to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions that Caribbean Americans have made to our communities, from Alexander Hamilton to Shirley Chisholm. As someone whose mother and grandmother came to America from Trinidad and Tobago, I'm proud to represent Caribbean Americans in Congress. I'll keep honoring their impact and continue uplifting the Caribbean American diaspora."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08):

"As the Representative from the Eighth Congressional District of New York, I stand on the shoulders of the great Shirley Chisholm, the first Caribbean American woman elected to Congress and I am privileged to represent one of the largest Caribbean communities in the world," said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. "This Caribbean American Heritage Month is a time to honor the trailblazing Caribbean Americans who have opened doors for generations to follow and to celebrate the vibrant culture and rich traditions of the Caribbean diaspora."

CBC First Vice Chair Representative Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09):

"As the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, I have long cherished Caribbean American Heritage Month as our special opportunity to celebrate the distinct art, delicious cuisine, unparalleled music, and profound history of the culture we hold so dear to our hearts. It's our precious time to remember our mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, and all others who came before us to ensure we and all Caribbean peoples might have the opportunity to not only live - but to prosper. From T&T to Barbados and everywhere in-between, our excellence is unprecedented, and our horizons are limitless. And I am so blessed to call the Caribbean American community my family. One love, and Happy Caribbean American Heritage Month!"

Representative Joyce Beatty (OH-03):

"The contributions of Caribbean-American heritage to our nation are rich - from civil rights-era leaders like Shirley Chisholm and our glass-shattering Vice President Kamala Harris to beloved music, food, and culture," said Congresswoman Joyce Beatty. "As we commemorate June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I proudly celebrate and support solidarity between the Caribbean and African American communities as key to our collective progress."

Representative Barbara Lee (CA-12):

"This month and every month we celebrate the immense cultural and civic contributions of the Caribbean community. Throughout history, Caribbean Americans have served our country and contributed to the culture of the United States through the arts, science, education, business, sports, military, and government," said Congresswoman Lee." I am proud to stand with my CBC colleagues to uplift and honor the important contributions of Caribbean Americans to our nation's history, and their role in our nation's future."

Representative Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05):

"As we close out Caribbean American Heritage Month, I'm proud to recognize the profound impact Caribbean Americans have on our nation's history and culture. My district is home to a vibrant and diverse Caribbean community, who have enriched the diverse tapestry of our city, state, and nation. Their rich traditions, devotion to community, and strong values and determination demonstrate why they continue to be leaders in every facet of American life."

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20):

"Caribbean American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the vibrant culture and invaluable contributions of Caribbean Americans to our country," said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. "As a proud Haitian American, my Caribbean heritage instills in me a profound sense of strength, determination, and resilience. These traits have been passed down through generations of people who have overcome immense challenges and reached remarkable heights. By recognizing Caribbean American Heritage Month, we acknowledge that our diversity is our greatest strength. It reminds us that the United States flourishes when we embrace and celebrate the unique cultures and histories that define our nation."

Representative Frederica Wilson (FL-24):

"As the first and only Bahamian-American to serve in Congress, I'm proud to celebrate South Florida's rich Caribbean roots. Our Caribbean-American community has played an integral role in making South Florida the vibrant and prosperous place it is today. From the flavors on our plates to the music that moves us and the art that we love, the enduring contributions of generations of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants enrich our daily lives. From Haiti to the Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and beyond, Caribbean-Americans are an indispensable part of our community! So, to all our Caribbean-American friends across the nation and South Florida, we celebrate you this month and every month! Happy Caribbean-American Heritage Month!"

Representative Nikema Williams (GA-05):

"I am proud to cosponsor the Caribbean Heritage Month Resolution led by my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus. Atlanta has hosted a Caribbean Carnival since 1988, bringing together our community to appreciate the rich and vibrant culture of the Caribbean and West Indies. From music to food, education to faith, community building to community service, the Caribbean Community enriches the Fighting Fifth, and I strongly support this Resolution to honor those contributions."

Representative Shontel Brown (OH-11):

"Caribbean American Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate the countless ways that Caribbean Americans have enriched our country and contributed to the wonderful diversity of American life. Many Black Americans have roots in the Caribbean and that heritage is an important part of Black culture in the US. As we celebrate, let's recommit to honoring the diversity that has shaped America."

Representative Kweisi Mfume (MD-07):

"In June, we boldly and proudly celebrate National Caribbean American Heritage Month. There is no one Caribbean American identity - instead, there is a diverse blend of history, language, tradition, and achievement across the many countries and territories that make up this region," said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. "As a member of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, I will always work to amplify the contributions and cultures of Caribbean people and their descendants," he concluded.

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