Established by Presidential Proclamation in 2006, June honors the vibrant culture and invaluable contributions of Caribbean Americans through the annual Caribbean American Heritage Month celebration.
The Caribbean region encompasses 33 political entities – 13 sovereign states, 12 dependencies, territories with historical disputes, and 7 other overseas territories. There is no single Caribbean American identity; the melting pot of cultures, languages, and faiths across the U.S. and islands reflects the diversity that embodies the American story. Yet, our nations are united by shared values and a collective past – overcoming colonial oppression, confronting the abhorrent legacy of slavery, and continually creating new opportunities that transcend borders and generations.
Some of the most notable Caribbean Americans are Alexander Hamilton, first Secretary of the Treasury, Colin Powell, the first person of color appointed as the Secretary of the State, James Weldon Johnson, the writer of the Black National Anthem, Celia Cruz, the world-renowned “Queen of Salsa” music, and Shirley Chisholm, the first African American Congresswoman and first African American woman candidate for President, are among many.
Web Links:
- Official Caribbean American Month
- The National Archives Caribbean American Heritage Month
- New York Public Library
- United States Census Bureau
- United States Department of the Interior
For more information visit The National Archives Caribbean American Heritage Month page.