On June 5, 2006, President George W. Bush passed a bill by congress issued a proclamation and declared June, National Caribbean American Heritage month for the impacts and support that the people of Caribbean Heritage have made to The United States. When I think of Caribbean Americans, people such as Alexander Hamilton, Marcus Garvey and General Colin Powell are just a few names that come to mind. Another important individual that helped with the recognition of The National Caribbean American Heritage month, is Elizabeth Burns, President and CEO of Unique Creations by Liz, which is an event planning company. Ms. Burns, seeing that people were not acknowledging The Caribbean American Heritage month, founded the Expressions Caribbean-American Exhibition in 2010. This exhibition is a group of Caribbean and American businesses that promote their services to communities. The Expressions Caribbean American Magazine is also part of the effort to recognize the Caribbean heritage month. This magazine features information of the Caribbean region, its people, and the culture.
Over the years The Caribbean American Heritage month has included festivals, themed celebrations and exhibits as an effort to maintain and keep it alive and strong. These festivals also include live entertainment provided by several local artists such as the Steel drum bands, of Caribbean and American culture. These festivals and exhibits include health, arts, wellness, crafts, island music, reggae artists, fun and interactive activities for families and children to enjoy and learn more about the Caribbean culture.
Experience the culture, music and food of the Caribbean heritage. Some of the music genres you will get to listen to live include Soca, Zouk, Bachata. From the islands of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Cuba, Barbados, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, any many more. These events also include various cultured foods from the Caribbean Islands, Guyanese, Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Haitian foods. You can enjoy and experience the diverse cultures, foods, music, and arts.
Click links for more info about local events celebrating Caribbean Heritage month: