Efforts to establish National Caribbean American Heritage Month began in 1999 by the Institute of Caribbean Studies, with a letter to President Bill Clinton asking for the recognition of August as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. On June 5, 2006, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation to establish National Caribbean American Heritage Month stating, “During Caribbean American Heritage Month, we celebrate the great contributions of Caribbean Americans to the fabric of our Nation, and we pay tribute to the common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and the Caribbean countries.”

President Bush continued, “Our Nation has thrived as a country of immigrants, and we are more vibrant and hopeful because of the talent, faith, and values of Caribbean Americans. For centuries, Caribbean Americans have enriched our society and added to the strength of America. We are united by our common values and shared history, and I join all Americans in celebrating the rich Caribbean heritage and the many ways in which Caribbean Americans have helped shape this Nation.”

In fact, history-making Caribbean Americans include Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Treasury Secretary; Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, founder of Chicago; Dr. William Thornton, physician and architect who designed the United States Capital; Juan Carlos Finlay, identified the mosquito as the carrier of malaria; Sidney Poitier, the first African American Actor to receive an Academy Award for best actor; Shirley Chisholm, the first African American Woman elected to Congress; Oscar de la Renta, world-renowned fashion designer; Antonia Novella, the first female U.S. Surgeon General; Patrick Ewing, NBA Basketball star and Hall of Fame Member; and widely recognized Colin Powell, the first black U.S. Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Since our country’s earliest years, Caribbean Americans have contributed to the American landscape, adding to the success and prosperity of our nation and the world. They have enriched American culture, while maintaining many of the traditions and practices inherent to their countries of ancestry.

There will be celebrations and events throughout the month of June at various CBP locations to raise awareness about the infusion of Caribbean American influences throughout American culture and within our CBP family.