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Caribbean people have been contributing to the well-being of American society since its founding. Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the Treasury was from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. We count among our famous sons and daughters, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, WEB Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Malcolm X, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier to name just a few.
HISTORY
The National Campaign for Caribbean American Heritage Month Campaign began in 2004. The Bill House Resolution 71 was entered into Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, with language provided by ICS Founder and President, Dr. Claire Nelson. Since 2000, ICS has been leading the celebration of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month, taking up from where an Ad-Hoc Group of Caribbean Americans left off celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month in Washington DC in 1999. The Bill passed the Congress in June of 2005, the US Senate in 2006, and a Proclamation making it official was signed by President Bush on June 5, 2006.
Link to www.caribbeanamericanheritage.org
VISION
National Caribbean American Heritage Month has been established to recognize the historic relationship between the people of the Caribbean and the people of the United States as well as to recognize the many contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants to the well-being of America. From founding father Alexander Hamilton to Hip Hop star Wyclef Jean, National Caribbean American Heritage Month provides a focal point for ingathering of the diverse voices and peoples that constitute Caribbean America – a Mosaic of Cultures… a Montage of Peoples.
TIMELINE
1994 ICS institutes the Caribbean American Heritage Awards to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Caribbean Americans
1999 ICS organizes first White House Briefing on Caribbean American issues.
Ad-Hoc Caribbean Council of Washington DC (led by Doreen Thompson),organizes first Caribbean Heritage Month in Washington DC. ICS asked to join.
ICS initiates process with Clinton White House to issue a proclamation for Caribbean American Heritage Month.
2000 AdHoc Caribbean Council disbands.
ICS takes over leadership of celebrating June as Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM) in Washington DC, organizing Children’s Carnival Workshop
2001 ICS organizes first DC Caribbean Film Festival to commemorate June
2004 ICS works with the Office of Congresswoman Barbara Lee to craft language of legislation.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee sponsors initial Bill House Resolution 517 ICS hosts reception on June 1 on Capitol Hill to commemorate the month.
2005 Congresswoman Barbara Lee reintroduces Bill as House Concurrent Resolution 71.
ICS hosts second reception on Capitol Hill to promote awareness of the Bill.
Congressman Charles Rangel commends ICS in the Congressional Records
US Congress passed House Con. Res. 71 on June 27, 2005
2006 Senator Schumer introduces Bill in the Senate, which passes on February 14, 2006
President Bush signs proclamation on June 5, 2006
PROGRAMS
Events in June 2006, coordinated by ICS include:
- National Press Conference with Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, New York
- National InterFaith Worship Service, Washington DC
- National Caribbean American Legislative Conference, Washington DC
- White House Briefing & Reception, Washington DC
- Congressional Reception, Washington DC
- Caribbean American Business Council Briefing, Washington DC
- Arts Festival on Ellis Island, New York
- Caribbean American Hollywood Tribute & Reception, Los Angeles
- Caribbean American Heritage Month Mayoral Reception, Miami
- National Student Leadership Conference, New York
- Rum Tasting & Book Launch., New York
ICS also partnered with or provided support to other organizations to conduct events such as:
- City Hall Breakfast Reception, Atlanta, GA
- UniFest Business Expo and MultiCultural Festival, Miami, FL
- Trade Exposition, Orlando, FL
- City Hall Reception, Oakland, CA
- Ecumenical Church Service, Philadelphia, PA
- Church Service & Family Day, Minneapolis, MN
- Symposium & Reception, Camden, NJ
- Press Conference, Office of Brooklyn Borough President; Brooklyn, NY
- Reception & Concert, Office of Queens Borough President, Queens, NY
OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSONS
Actress and Singer Sheryl Lee Ralph and basketball great Rick Fox, were named Official Spokespersons for the National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
For more information go to www.caribbeanamericanheritage.org
AFFILIATES
Organizations wishing to partner with ICS to organize activities in their city or state are urged to contact ICS at (202) 638-0460 or email icsdcorg@gmail.com.
PICTORIAL REVIEW
Coming Soon
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