[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 92 (Thursday, June 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1491]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE 
                                 MONTH

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                           HON. MAXINE WATERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 18, 2009

  Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm and reverence 
that I acknowledge Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Caribbean-
Americans have made so many invaluable contributions to our nation's 
culture and historical development. With an indomitable spirit, 
resolve, and determination, Caribbean-Americans have maintained their 
unique cultural and social identity and made incredible strides in 
carving out their respective place within the American Dream. I want to 
commend my colleague Barbara Lee for bringing this measure before the 
floor.
  Numerous Caribbean-Americans have left an indelible mark on American 
history and culture. For example, Sidney Poitier, who spent his youth 
on Cat Island in the Bahamas, went on to become the first Black 
American actor to win an Academy Award. Sidney Poitier was a pioneer 
and where it once was an unobtainable goal, many Black actors and 
actresses now have the opportunity to enter an elite group of acclaimed 
Oscar winners. I also think of the incomparable Harry Belafonte. At his 
peak, Harry Belafonte was a gifted musician, talented actor, and fierce 
social activist. Although Harry Belafonte was not born in the 
Caribbean, he spent a lot of time in his mother's native country, 
Jamaica.
  And lastly, as a Member of Congress, I cannot discount the 
contributions and achievements of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. 
Congresswoman Chisholm frequently credited her success to the education 
she received while attending school in Barbados. As the first Black 
woman elected to the House of Representatives, she was a dedicated 
public servant and a trailblazer. It is often repeated, that we stand 
on the shoulders of great men and women who, through diligence and 
determination, paved the way for African-Americans today to achieve 
greatness. And as many of those shoulders belonged to Caribbean-
Americans, it is truly fitting that we take this month to celebrate 
their heritage.
  Madam Speaker, I am pleased to support H. Con. Res. 127. And as a 
vocal advocate for the Caribbean, I will continue to do my part and 
work with my colleagues to help the region face its challenges in hopes 
of propelling it into a great and prosperous future. So as we take this 
month to honor Caribbean-American heritage and history, it is my 
sincere hope that in time, we will be able to celebrate even greater 
achievements and developments in both the lives of Caribbean-Americans 
in the United States as well as the nations of the Caribbean.

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