National Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June recognizes the contributions of the Caribbean-Americans to the diversity and broader landscape of American culture.

Caribbean American immigrants and residents of Caribbean U.S. territories are a vibrant part of the American melting pot. They have a long tradition of contributing to our communities and serving their country. From the first Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton to civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois and Jennifer Carroll, Lieutenant Governor of Florida, Caribbean American’s step up to challenges across generations.

The month is an opportunity to celebrate the heritage, history, and cultural diversity and a time to explore the traditions Caribbean-Americans carry with them.

HISTORY

The official campaign for a National Caribbean American Heritage Month began in 2004 when a legislative bill was tabled in Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Language was provided by ICS Founder and President Dr. Claire Nelson. The Bill was reintroduced and passed the House in June 2005 and the Senate in February 2006. A Proclamation making the resolution official was signed by President George W. Bush on June 5, 2006.

In 2006, actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph and basketball great Rick Fox were named official spokespersons for National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Learn more at www.caribbeanamericanheritage.org.

Each year, ICS works with our partners at a number of organizations to present a parade of events for varied palates.  Learn more about this year’s events at www.caribbeanamericanheritage.org.

Learn to celebrate more heritages.  After all we often have much more in common that unites us.

• Scottish-American Heritage
• Caribbean American Heritage
• Asain American and Pacific Islander Heritage
• National Portuguese Heritage Month
• Korean American Day
• Gathering of Nations
• Black History Month
• African World Heritage
• Juneteenth
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• German American Heritage
• Native American Heritage
• Irish American Heritage
• Italian-American Heritage
• Native American Heritage Day
• Jewish American Heritage Month
• Filipino American Heritage Month

HOW TO OBSERVE

Share your experiences and knowledge during National Caribbean-American Heritage month. Learn the history of immigration from the Caribbean by visiting museums and exhibits. Visit with friends and family members and learn about their experiences and culture. Use #CaribbeanAmericanHeritageMonth to share on social media.