[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 93 (Tuesday, July 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT THERE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED A CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN 
                             HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 27, 2005

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Con. Res. 71, a resolution supporting the establishment of a Caribbean-
American Heritage month. This resolution is admirable and deeply 
appreciated in its recognition and celebration of the Caribbean-
American community and of the contributions that community has made to 
every sphere of American life.
  The American spirit is a tapestry that weaves cultures together, one 
in which people of all traditions and walks of life convene to better 
protect and educate one another. The Caribbean-American people are an 
invaluable part of his tapestry, and their influence has stretched to 
every field of American society, culture and politics.
  The State of Florida is especially indebted to the Caribbean-American 
community, enjoying one of the largest and most flourishing Caribbean-
American populations in the nation. The contributions of this community 
to Florida's economy, educational system, politics and culture, and 
indeed to all areas of our society, are of the greatest importance to 
our state and to our country.
  I am so privileged to represent people of virtually every single 
Caribbean heritage. From Lauderhill to Miramar to West Palm Beach to 
Oakland Park, I am honored to work on behalf of all of these 
communities and many more.
  As early as the 17th Century, Caribbean men and woen journeyed to 
find new lives in America. Our regions have endured similarly difficult 
pasts. We shared a struggle against slavery, we shared a fight for 
independence, and now we share the strong ties built on social equality 
and democratic government.
  Mr. Speaker, the United States has been profoundly shaped by the 
achievements of its Caribbean-American citizens. Whether in technology, 
science, the military, fashion, politics, government, business, 
education or journalism, the achievements of Caribbean-Americans have 
been immense and invaluable.
  Some of the most revered figures in American art have come from the 
Caribbean-American community: actors, musicians, politicians, authors, 
educators and so many others. All of them have played central roles in 
the cultural development of this country.
  This resolution enjoys strong bipartisan support including mine 
because it is critical for this body to acknowledge and appreciate 
those who contribute to America's unique and highly respected culture. 
I am proud to lend my support to this most excellent resolution, I urge 
my colleagues to do the same.

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