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Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) introduced a resolution marking June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month and released the following statement:

“I am so proud to see us again mark June as Caribbean American Heritage Month, and I encourage all Americans to celebrate and learn more about the rich history and culture of Caribbean Americans in the United States.

“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, to health and 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 goodwill to the Caribbean community both here, and abroad. This month and every month, we must recognize the tremendous contributions that Caribbean Americans have added to our country.”

Congresswoman Lee has led the effort to establish June as Caribbean American Heritage Month over the last several years. 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 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 May 31.