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President Donald J. Trump Proclaims June 2017 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims June 2017 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2017
– – – – – – –
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a celebration of the accomplishments of Caribbean Americans and our long, shared history with the peoples of the Caribbean. We are grateful for the culture Caribbean Americans have shared with our Nation and the many contributions they have made to our society.
Throughout our history, Caribbean Americans have helped create and maintain the strength and independence of our Nation. Alexander Hamilton, who came from poverty in Nevis, was a key contributor to our Constitution and the first Secretary of the Treasury, helping to establish our modern financial system and to create the United States Coast Guard.
Every day, Caribbean Americans help make America more prosperous and secure. Our Nation is particularly grateful to the many Caribbean Americans who have served and are currently serving in our Armed Forces, protecting our Nation, and promoting freedom and peace around the world. Today, more than four million Caribbean Americans live in the United States and continue to contribute to a vibrant culture that enriches our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2017 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
DONALD J. TRUMP
Life Yard to Get Marley Humanitarian Award
Life Yard to get Marley award
The Shane Morgan-led Life Yard has been selected to receive the inaugural Caribbean Heritage Robert Nesta Marley Humanitarian Award.
Life Yard is based on Fleet Street in Parade Gardens, Kingston. The location houses a farm and a restaurant, both of which are owned and operated by the members. The group uses the proceeds to engage in various outreach programmes to the benefit of the community.
The activities of Life Yard has attracted some 5,000 visitors, with over 1,000 tourists from some 39 countries.
Giving and serving
“The committee and the Bob Marley family agreed that both Life Yard and Pras truly represent the self-less, uncompromised spirit of giving and serving the “down-trodden” that was Bob Marley. This inaugural selection certainly will set the bar for future honourees,” the Caribbean Heritage Organization said yesterday.
In addition to Life Yard, Grammy Award-winning Rapper, Pras, is also set to receive a humanitarian award.
The awards will be handed out at the official Los Angeles Caribbean-American Heritage Month gala, the Salute to Hollywood & Excellence Awards dinner scheduled for Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Hilton at Universal Studios in Hollywood, California.
http://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20170603/life-yard-get-marley-award
Bob Marley Humanitarian Award Announced
Bob Marley’s Legacy of Giving to be Celebrated During Caribbean-American Heritage Month
Los Angeles, CA – The Caribbean Heritage Organization (CHO) and the family of the late reggae legend Bob Marley are pleased to announce the institution of the “Robert Nesta Marley Humanitarian Award” to be awarded annually during the CHO Caribbean-American Heritage Month Salute to Hollywood & Excellence Awards gala held in Los Angeles in June.
“Bob Marley was not only the greatest reggae singer that has ever lived” says Marva Griffiths Herman, Founder & Executive Director of the Los Angeles-based organization, “but he was a global ambassador of peace, equal rights, justice, brotherhood and generosity. We are very humbled that the family has allowed us to dedicate this award in his honor.”
The Robert Nesta Marley Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals/entities that are making positive impact on society with their time, actions and dedication.
“We are honored to have our father represent this prestigious award that pays tribute to those who are positively impacting their communities through their good works and the inspiring examples they set for others. Both our parents instilled in us the idea that the success of the individual means the success of the community, and it is a blessing to see that idea continues to flourish around the world. We give thanks to the Caribbean Heritage Organization for recognizing those who are carrying that legacy forward into the 21st Century.” – The Marley Family.
The first award will be handed out at the next Salute to Hollywood & Excellence Gala scheduled for Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Hilton Universal Studios in Hollywood, California.
Caymanian actress honored
The Caribbean Heritage Organization announced that Grace Byers of the Fox Television smash hit “Empire” will receive the Rising Sun Award at the 2017 Caribbean Heritage Salute to Hollywood & Excellence Gala, to be held on June 17 at the Hilton Universal Studios in Hollywood, California.
The Caymanian actress is known for her breakout role as Anika Calhoun on the show, where she stars opposite Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson.
Grace Byers
Ms. Byers, nee Gealey, attended college at the University of South Florida in Tampa, where she received a B.A. in theater arts.
Upon graduation, she was accepted into the University of California Irvine’s graduate program and obtained her M.F.A in acting.
She grew up in the Cayman Islands. As a multiracial young girl and child of deaf adults, she was bullied throughout her childhood. Her experiences have led her to write her first book, “I Am Enough,” coming out in 2018. The book was born out of her impassioned desire to empower young girls against the negative effects of bullying.
In her spare time, she volunteers with the non-profit anti-bullying organization, Saving Our Daughters. She lives with her husband, actor and “Empire” co-star Trai Byers and their little maltipoo, Baron Byers, in Los Angeles.
Ms. Byers recently shot the indie thriller “Bent,” opposite Karl Urban, Sofia Vergara and Andy Garcia.
Caribbean Heritage Organization
The Caribbean Heritage Organization was formed in January 2007 to celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of Caribbean people, Caribbean-Americans and friends of the Caribbean to the international society. This is done through the conservation and education of Caribbean arts and culture.
In celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, the organization produces the official Los Angeles Caribbean-American Heritage month gala and the CaribbeanLens International Film & Art Festival “Where Hollywood Celebrates the Caribbean.”
Volkswagon Support Letter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2013
Marva Griffiths Herman
Ph: 818-605-1478 email: caribbeanheritage@yahoo.com
No Problem, Man!
Joint Statement of
The Institute of Caribbean Studies, Chair, National Caribbean American Heritage Month,
and the Caribbean Heritage Organization
On the Volkswagen 2013 Super Bowl Commercial
Washington, D.C. & Los Angeles –
In response to the recent media brouhaha over Volkswagen of America’s 2013 Super Bowl Commercial and allegations of the commercial’s being racist, Dr. Claire Nelson, architect of the campaign for June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month hereby provides the official position of the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) and the Caribbean Heritage Organization (CHO.)
The Institute of Caribbean Studies and the Caribbean Heritage Organization commend Volkswagen and its ad agency for its recognition of the global impact of Jamaican culture, through its use of a Jamaican accent in its Get In. Get Happy Campaign!
As members of the Caribbean diaspora, and being a Jamaican, we find the commercial, amusing and indeed a fascinating example of subtlety in subliminal messaging. In one fell swoop, the ad directors have superimposed Jamaicans’ reputation for being hardworking (the three jobs archetype) as well as our reputation for having a laid-back, positive, don’t-worry-about-a-thing disposition on the character of the Volkswagen. And yes, the accent in the commercial is not perfect, but it certainly is recognizable.
What we find problematic and bordering on offensive are the mostly non-Jamaican critics, who contend that the commercial is racist, with some going as far as saying that it’s like putting a Black face on a White and Asian. We hasten to assure the viewing public, that being Jamaican just like being American is a nationality and not a race. Any one of the actors featured in the commercial could be a native Jamaican. Yes, most Jamaicans are of African Ancestry (that is to say Black), but Jamaica also is home to a significant mixed-race and diverse racial population. Jamaicans are East Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern and European (that is to say White) in keeping with the Jamaican National Motto,’ Out of Many One People’.
As the Chair of the National Caribbean-American Heritage Month commemorative celebrations in June, ICS congratulates Deutsch LA
and Volkswagen on recognizing the Caribbean impact on American
culture and making this a teachable moment to educate America and the rest of the world on the history and culture of Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean.
We invite everyone to Get In and Get Happy. No Problem, Man!
Please visit www.caribbeanamericanmonth.org and www.caribbeanheritage.org for more information on Celebrating June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
About Institute of Caribbean Studies
The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. Established in 1993, ICS is dedicated to education, advocacy and action on issues that impact on Caribbean Americans.The Institute provides a forum for the public and private sector, the non-government organization community, scholars and others interested in promoting a dialogue and to assist in the execution of actions that result from that dialogue.
About Caribbean Heritage Organization
The Caribbean Heritage Organization is a 501 (c) (3) organization with a goal to chronicle the experiences of the expatriated Caribbean people, showcase and educate in the different aspects of Caribbean arts and culture in and outside the region, conserve and celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of the Caribbean and its people to the international society and support and nurture existing and emerging creative talent in the Caribbean through academic scholarships, mentorship and promotion of Caribbean films and filmmakers, theater and dance.
Candidate Barack Obama Letter
A letter from Candidate Barack Obama Download PDF
2008 Proclamation
2008 Caribbean-American Heritage Month Presidential Proclamation
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Caribbean-American Heritage Month is an opportunity to show our appreciation for the many ways Caribbean Americans have contributed to our country.
Caribbean Americans have helped to shape our national fabric with their vibrant traditions and their unique history. They have brightened our lives with the spirit and vitality of their culture. Through strong leadership and pride in their heritage, they have enriched America. In all walks of life, they have contributed their many talents and added to our Nation’s development and prosperity.
We especially show our gratitude for the men and women of Caribbean descent who have served bravely in our Armed Forces and those still serving today. These heroes have answered a call greater than self, and we keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
During June, we celebrate and recognize the Caribbean Americans whose determination and hard work have helped make our country a better place.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2008 as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history and culture of Caribbean Americans and their contributions to our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH
2007 Proclamation
2007 Caribbean-American Heritage Month Presidential Proclamation
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
During June, we recognize Caribbean Americans and celebrate the many ways they contribute to our Nation.
Generations of Caribbean Americans have helped shape the spirit and character of our country. These individuals are justly proud of their Caribbean roots, and they enrich the American experience by sharing their traditions, history, and values. Caribbean Americans of all walks of life have added to the vitality, success, and prosperity of our country. Their hard work and determination inspire all who dream of a better life for themselves and their families.
Our Nation is deeply grateful to the Caribbean Americans who defend our liberty as members of our Armed Forces. The service and sacrifice of these courageous men and women are helping lay the foundation of peace for generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2007 as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history and culture of Caribbean Americans and their contributions to our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
2006 Proclamation
American Heritage Month Presidential Proclamation
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
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.
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. They have been leaders in government, sports, entertainment, the arts, and many other fields.
During the month of June, we also honor the friendship between the United States and the Caribbean countries. 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.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2006 as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to learn more about the history of Caribbean Americans and their contributions to our Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Celebrating the Caribbean and its Diaspora
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