Barbara Lee Applauds White House Proclamation Recognizing June as Caribbean American Heritage Month
(Oakland, CA) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland), author of legislation approved in the 109th Congress by both Chambers of Congress that urged the President to make June Caribbean-American Heritage Month, issued the following statement today in response to the White House proclamation marking June once again as Caribbean-American Heritage Month:
“Today, June 1st, 2007, communities across the country are launching commemorative celebrations for the 2nd annual national Caribbean-American Heritage Month. From our nation's inception, the Caribbean-American community has played an important role in our history, culture, and government.
“I am pleased that the Caribbean-American community will be joined by the President in recognizing the important role their community has played in our history, and continues to play. As we prepare to host the leaders of the CARICOM nations in Washington, DC this month, our diplomatic relations are enhanced by this recognition of their nations’ contributions to the history, growth and success of the United States.
“That is also why I have introduced H. Con. Res. 148, a House resolution recognizing Caribbean-American Heritage Month, which was introduced with 36 bi-partisan co-sponsors, and currently has 51 co-sponsors. I am working with my colleagues on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to bring that resolution to the floor as soon as we return next week.
“By commemorating the Caribbean-American community as we have the African-American, Latino, Irish-American, Asian Pacific-Islander, and many other communities, we celebrate the rich history and diversity of this nation. That diversity and the designation of June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month should be an achievement celebrated by all.”
In the 109th Congress, both the House and Senate unanimously adopted Congresswoman Lee’s bill, H. Con. Res. 71, to support designating June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month for the first time.
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