[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 103 (Friday, June 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       GREAT CARIBBEAN AMERICAN CONTRIBUTIONS TO AMERICAN CULTURE

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                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2008

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Caribbean-
American Heritage Month and the many contributions of persons of 
Caribbean descent into the American fabric.
  Despite the lack of wealth and resources available to many in the 
Caribbean, the region continues to produce exceptional talent and is 
endowed with a capacity to overcome incredible odds. Our Nation has 
thrived as a country of immigrants, and we are more vibrant and hopeful 
because of the talent, faith, and resilience of Caribbean Americans. 
For centuries, Caribbean Americans have added to the strength of our 
country. They have been leaders, innovators, athletes, artists, 
entertainers, doctors, and lawyers.
  The world has had the privilege of reading the words of 
internationally recognized Caribbean writers and poets like Jamaica 
Kincaid, Derek Walcott (who won the 1992 Nobel Prize in Literature), 
and Edwidge Danticat (a finalist for the National Book Award). We have 
listened to the creative sounds of Kompa that has its origins in Haiti, 
Zouk from Guadeloupe, Soca from Trinidad and Tobago, and Reggae from 
Jamaica. Steel Pans, the only musical instrument invented in the 21st 
century originated from Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica's First Lady of 
Theatre and Film, Leoni Forbes, won the Gemini Award for best actress 
in a comedy.
  During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the great 
contributions of Caribbean Americans to our Nation. We recognize that 
without them, our country would not be what it is today and we pay 
tribute to the common bonds that unite the United States and the 
Caribbean.

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