Have you ever wondered what Caribbean Heritage Month is all about? Or why do people celebrate and pay so much attention to it?
It’s pretty simple.
Caribbean Heritage Month is a fantastic celebration in the United States that is usually held in June. It honors the Caribbean-American generation who have positively influenced and enriched the United States. It also recognizes Caribbean-Americans’ significant contributions to the diversity and broader landscape of American culture.
The celebration demonstrates that Caribbean American immigrants and residents of Caribbean United States territories are an active part of the American melting pot, as they have a long history of contributing to the country. The month is an opportunity to celebrate Caribbean-American heritage, history, and cultural diversity and learn about the traditions that Caribbean-Americans carry with them.
I’m sure you won’t want to miss out on these incredible memories.
First and foremost, the United States is a country of immigrants with enormous, sweet heroic memories and fantastic contributions by Caribbean-Americans. Regardless of when they arrived, how they arrived, or which island they came from, the United States is now their home, and it is unquestionably a place where they have made significant contributions. They have become deeply ingrained as citizens and will not relent in leaving their incredible imprint in the sands of time to this country. Caribbean-Americans will always be a part of America’s grand story. They aided in the election of the first African American president and placed several leaders in various city halls, governor’s mansions, and even the U.S. capital. Collectively and successfully, they have brought the power of the Caribbean within them to become significant players in the United States. The United States Congress has given it a lot of attention. It is now time for us to pay attention as well. The resolution mentioned many West Indians and Caribbean nationals who have risen above their peers to become champions in their fields.
The celebration recognizes and celebrates people’s achievements and contributions like Alexander Hamilton, one of the founding fathers of the U.S. and the first secretary of the treasury; and Bertram L. Baker, the first black elected to the state legislator from Brooklyn who was born in Nevis. It also celebrates the Caribbean roots of Hulan Jack, the Harlem politician who in 1953 became the first black borough president of Manhattan. The achievement of General Colin Powell, the first black to attain the position of United States Secretary of State, born to Jamaican immigrants.
Notable person of with Caribbean Heritage past and present also include Edward Wilmoth Blyden, the Father of Pan Africanism (St. Thomas); Camille Pissarro, Impressionist (St. Thomas); Shirley Chisholm, political leader (Barbados Heritage); Sidney Portier (Bahamas); the U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris; the 1st delegate to serve as an impeachment officer, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett; Timothy Duncan Basketball Hall of Fame inductee (St. Croix); Joy Reid Cable’s First Black Woman Prime Time News Anchor. In every field, many more important people represent the diverse Caribbean influence with whom we relate and whom we celebrate. We must hold on to these and share their accomplishments with our children.
All of this sends the message that those tiny islands created greatness. These accomplishments are not only significant to the people who live in the United States, but they are also an inspiration to our people in other countries. They celebrate our successes just as much as we do theirs. When we succeed, they share our joy. As a result, it is critical to celebrate every successful West Indian. Put a spotlight on them. And let the world know where they’re from for the entire month of June.
People will notice and pay attention. They will take note of our accomplishments. They’ll see that we’re willing to work harder than anyone else in the room. They will take note of how we carry ourselves. The way we communicate. When we walk into a room, they will notice that we say good morning. They will see how much emphasis we place on education. Because while we celebrate our successes and achievements, we must not forget to recognize and promote our Caribbean values. And this will open doors, opportunities, and borders for those who follow. So, in June, we should all take advantage of the decree to show off the goods we brought back from the islands. The truth is that there is no reason not to celebrate the month with appropriate ceremonies and festivities.
To the Caribbean, appropriate ceremony celebrations include parties, cookouts, fetes, and carnivals. Attend and join in our celebration of the people, food, music, mix of languages, tone, cadence, and idiosyncrasies. Engage wherever you may find Carnivals, food, and music festivals. Enjoy the positive vibes as Caribbean people across the country entertain with music from soca to reggae. Indulge in tasty Caribbean cuisines such as roti, pelau, saltfish, and fungi. Join in playing a game of dominoes. You’ll see us chipping on the road, dressed in a rainbow of costumes. You’ll hear us say things like, “I ca fete – Wah goin’ on?” or “Wah happenin – Sak Pase?” And you will understand, as we do, that Caribbean heritage is very much alive and well in the United States.
As constituents of elected officials across the nation, let your voice be heard as we might just be able to gain some beneficial ground not only in the cities where we live but also for our Island homes. In any case, let’s celebrate the rich culture, heritage, and people of the Caribbean throughout June – Caribbean Heritage Month.
Cheers to many greetings and fond memories together.
By: Pulse of the Caribbean
