[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 100 (Tuesday, July 7, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H7716-H7719]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 127) Recognizing the significance 
of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 127

       Whereas people of Caribbean heritage are found in every 
     State of the Union;
       Whereas emigration from the Caribbean region to the 
     American Colonies began as early as 1619 with the arrival of 
     indentured workers in Jamestown, Virginia;
       Whereas during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a 
     significant number of slaves from the Caribbean region were 
     brought to the United States;
       Whereas since 1820, millions of people have emigrated from 
     the Caribbean region to the United States;
       Whereas like the United States, the countries of the 
     Caribbean faced obstacles of slavery and colonialism and 
     struggled for independence;
       Whereas also like the United States, the people of the 
     Caribbean region have diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and 
     religious backgrounds;
       Whereas the independence movements throughout the Caribbean 
     during the 1960s and the consequential establishment of 
     independent democratic countries in the Caribbean 
     strengthened ties between the region and the United States;
       Whereas Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United 
     States and the first Secretary of the Treasury, was born in 
     the Caribbean;
       Whereas many influential Caribbean-Americans have 
     contributed to the rich history of the United States, 
     including Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, the pioneer settler 
     of Chicago; Claude McKay, a poet of the Harlem Renaissance; 
     James Weldon Johnson, the writer of the Black National 
     Anthem; Celia Cruz, the world-renowned queen of Salsa music; 
     and Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American 
     Congresswoman and first African-American woman candidate for 
     President;
       Whereas the many influential Caribbean-Americans in the 
     history of the United States also include Colin Powell, the 
     first African-American Secretary of State; Sidney Poitier, 
     the first African-American actor to receive the Academy Award 
     for best actor in a leading role; Harry Belafonte, a 
     musician, actor, and activist; Al Roker, a meteorologist and 
     television personality; and Roberto Clemente, the first 
     Latino inducted into the baseball hall of fame;
       Whereas Caribbean-Americans have played an active role in 
     the civil rights movement and other social and political 
     movements in the United States;
       Whereas Caribbean-Americans have contributed greatly to the 
     fine arts, education, business, literature, journalism, 
     sports, fashion, politics, government, the military, music, 
     science, technology, and other fields in the United States;
       Whereas Caribbean-Americans share their culture through 
     festivals, carnivals, music, dance, film, and literature, 
     which enrich the cultural landscape of the United States;
       Whereas the countries of the Caribbean are important 
     economic partners of the United States;
       Whereas the countries of the Caribbean represent the United 
     States' third border;
       Whereas the people of the Caribbean region share the hopes 
     and aspirations of the people of the United States for peace 
     and prosperity throughout the Western Hemisphere and the rest 
     of the world;
       Whereas in June 2008, President George W. Bush issued a 
     proclamation declaring June National Caribbean-American 
     Heritage Month after the passage of H. Con. Res. 71 in the 
     109th Congress by both the Senate and the House of 
     Representatives; and
       Whereas June is an appropriate month to establish a 
     Caribbean-American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of Caribbean-American 
     Heritage Month;
       (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe 
     Caribbean-American Heritage Month with appropriate 
     ceremonies, celebrations, and activities; and
       (3) affirms that--
       (A) the contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a 
     significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of 
     the United States; and
       (B) the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States 
     enriches and strengthens the Nation.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) and the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. 
Harper) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Massachusetts.


                             General Leave

  Mr. LYNCH. I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 
legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Massachusetts?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. LYNCH. On behalf of the Committee on Oversight and Government 
Reform, I present House Concurrent Resolution 127 for consideration. 
This resolution expresses our support for the goals and ideals of 
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
  Introduced by my colleague, Representative Barbara Lee of California, 
on May 14, 2009, and reported out of the Oversight Committee by 
unanimous consent on June 18, 2009, House Concurrent Resolution 127 
enjoys the support of over 50 Members of Congress.
  Since June of 2005, Congress has taken time each year to recognize 
Americans of Caribbean descent for their significant contributions to 
American culture and history during National Caribbean Heritage Month.
  Beginning as early as the year 1619, generations of Caribbean 
immigrants have come to America and significantly contributed their 
rich traditions and culture, ethnic, and religious diversity to our 
social fabric.
  Regrettably, we must acknowledge that many Caribbean-Americans 
arrived against their own volition--as slaves and indentured servants, 
whose struggles for freedom continue to reverberate. Many others came 
to this country in search of a better life for themselves and their 
children; and today, over 5 million Americans proudly share Caribbean 
heritage.
  Caribbean-Americans have offered lasting contributions to every 
sector of our society, from public service, science, and athletics to 
business, education, and entertainment.
  Prominent Caribbean-Americans include such historical and cultural 
figures as Alexander Hamilton--who was born in the Caribbean region--
former Secretary of State Colin Powell; Eric Holder, our current 
Attorney General; and Shirley Chisholm, the first African American 
Congresswoman and first African American candidate for President.
  Other influential Caribbean-Americans include Harlem renaissance 
poet, Claude McKay; actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte; 
and Sidney Poitier, the first African American actor to receive an 
Academy Award for best performance in a leading role.
  Mr. Speaker, these and countless other Caribbean-Americans have made 
invaluable contributions to our Nation, and it is fitting that we on 
honor them today. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting House 
Concurrent Resolution 127.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HARPER. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 127 
recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage 
Month. Every year since 2006, our Nation has recognized the 
contribution Caribbean-Americans have made to the United States during 
the month of June.
  The Caribbean people have had a place in the history of the United 
States from its very beginning. The first Caribbean people who 
immigrated to the United States did so in 1619 as indentured workers 
who were brought to Jamestown, Virginia. During the centuries that 
followed, many people were brought to the United States from the 
Caribbean as slaves and, since 1820, millions more have emigrated, 
bringing with them their talents and high values, which have enriched 
our Nation and assisted in its formation.
  Many notable people in the history of the United States have strong 
Caribbean ties. Those already mentioned are certainly very important to 
the history of our country. Alexander Hamilton, not only the first 
Secretary of the Treasury, but also one of the authors of the 
Federalist Papers, was born in the

[[Page H7717]]

Caribbean. Former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Sidney Poitier, and 
musician Harry Belafonte are all Caribbean-Americans, as you have 
heard.
  Other Caribbean-Americans have contributed to every aspect of our 
Nation, from the sciences to the Armed Forces. For all of these 
contributions, we are grateful.
  The United States and the nations of the Caribbean have had many 
traits that are indicative of our similarities with one another. The 
histories of the United States and the countries of the Caribbean have 
faced similar trials of slavery, colonialism, and the struggle for 
independence.
  The people who comprise our separate nations are similar in that we 
are all different, coming from very diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, 
and religious backgrounds. In addition to celebrating the contribution 
Caribbean-Americans have made to the United States, we honor these 
historical similarities between our nations.
  I ask my fellow Members of Congress to join me in recognizing the 
contributions of Caribbean-Americans to the history of the United 
States and the way in which their presence enriches and strengthens our 
country.
  I support House Concurrent Resolution 127.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield such time 
as she may consume to the lead sponsor of this measure, the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Lee).
  Ms. LEE of California. Let me thank the gentleman from Massachusetts 
for yielding and for your leadership and for supporting and managing 
this resolution today.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Con. Res. 127, a resolution 
which I have authored for several years recognizing the significance of 
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This resolution 
acknowledges the important contributions of Caribbean-Americans for the 
many contributions they have made to our Nation's history and culture.
  Let me begin by thanking Chairman Towns, Ranking Member Issa, and the 
staff of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on both sides 
for making this a bipartisan effort and for helping to bring this 
resolution to the floor today.
  I would also like to recognize many of my colleagues on this side: 
Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, 
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Congresswoman Waters, Congressman 
Payne, Chairman Charlie Rangel, Chairman John Conyers, Congressman 
Burton, and many, many Members of Congress for their tremendous 
leadership on issues relating to the Caribbean.
  Congresswoman Christensen, whom you will hear from in just a minute, 
from the Virgin Islands, has lead health care reform efforts to ensure 
that any health care reform bill must address strategies that deal with 
the disparities in communities of color. And for this, Congresswoman 
Christensen, Dr. Christensen, we are deeply grateful.
  I'd like to also acknowledge Dr. Claire Nelson and the Institute of 
Caribbean Studies, and all of the other Caribbean-American 
organizations in Washington, D.C., and across the country, that have 
worked so hard to make Caribbean-American Heritage Month 2009 a great 
success.
  As a longtime supporter of the Caribbean and a frequent visitor to 
the region, I am very proud to see us celebrate this important 
commemorative month for the fourth straight year.
  Since Congress first passed H. Con. Res. 71 in February of 2006, the 
President has issued a proclamation recognizing Caribbean-American 
Heritage Month every year during the month of June. This year, 
President Obama issued a proclamation on June 2. Mr. Speaker, I will 
insert that proclamation into the Record.

            National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2009

       By the President of the United States of America
       A Proclamation: Caribbean Americans have made lasting 
     contributions to our Nation's culture and history, and the 
     month of June has been set aside to honor their cultural, 
     linguistic, ethnic, and social diversity.
       Generations of immigrants have preserved the traditions of 
     their homelands, and these traditions have defined our 
     Nation's identity. Caribbean Americans bring a unique and 
     vibrant culture. This multilingual and multiethnic tradition 
     has strengthened our social fabric and enriched the diversity 
     of our Nation.
       Millions of individuals in the United States have Caribbean 
     roots. Unfortunately some Caribbean Americans were forced to 
     our country as slaves; others arrived of their own volition. 
     All have sought the promise of a brighter tomorrow for 
     themselves and their children.
       In their pursuit of success, Caribbean Americans exhibit 
     the traits all Americans prize: determination, a devotion to 
     community, and patriotism. They have made their mark in every 
     facet of our society, from art to athletics and science to 
     service. Caribbean Americans have also safeguarded our Nation 
     in the United States Armed Forces.
       This month we also recognize the critical relationship the 
     United States maintains with Caribbean nations. In a world of 
     increasing communication and connectivity, this friendship 
     has become even more important. We are neighbors, partners, 
     and friends; we share the same aspirations for our children; 
     and we strive for the very same freedoms. Together, we can 
     meet the common challenges we face.
       NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2009 as National Caribbean-American Heritage 
     Month. I urge all Americans to commemorate this month by 
     learning more about the history and culture of Caribbean 
     Americans.
       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second 
     day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and 
     of the Independence of the United States of America the two 
     hundred and thirty-third.
                                                     Barack Obama.

  People of Caribbean heritage reside in every part of our country. 
Since 1820, millions of people have immigrated from the Caribbean to 
the United States. Throughout U.S. history, we have been fortunate to 
benefit from countless individuals of Caribbean decent who have 
contributed to American Government, politics, business, arts, 
education, and culture, including one of my personal mentors, the 
Honorable Shirley Chisholm from Brooklyn, New York.

                              {time}  1445

  Shirley Chisholm was a woman of Bajan and Guyanese descent who never 
forgot her roots in the Caribbean. She was the first African American 
and the first woman to seriously run a Presidential campaign in 1972. 
She was also the first African American woman elected to the House of 
Representatives. So personally I have to honor her today because I have 
to say that my political involvement began as a volunteer during her 
historic Presidential campaign in 1972, and through her mentorship, she 
strengthened my interest in issues important to the African diaspora 
both here in the United States and abroad.
  During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we recognized the important 
contributions of people like Shirley Chisholm as well as Alexander 
Hamilton, Hazel Scott, Sidney Poitier, Wyclef Jean, Eric Holder, Colin 
Powell, Harry Belafonte, Celia Cruz and, yes, Congresswomen Donna 
Christensen, Sheila Jackson-Lee and Yvette Clarke and many other 
persons of Caribbean descent who have helped shape this country. 
Caribbean-American Heritage Month provides us an opportunity to 
strengthen our long-term partnerships with nations of the Caribbean 
community through greater dialogue and engagement, and must not stop 
with June. From disaster preparedness to trade and energy, education, 
and the campaign against HIV and AIDS, we share a number of mutual 
policy interests with our Caribbean neighbors. Last month we were able 
to address some of these important issues through the Institute of 
Caribbean Studies' Caribbean-American Legislative Forum, held annually 
on the Hill during Caribbean-American Heritage Month. At the forum, 
people from the academic community and the private sector, regional 
policymakers and members of the Caribbean diaspora were able to meet to 
better integrate policy interests between the United States and 
Caribbean countries.
  Recent global events, from the sharp rise in food and energy prices 
to a series of devastating storms and the global economic downturn, 
have acutely affected people of the Caribbean, particularly our friends 
in Haiti. These ongoing regional and global crises highlight the need 
for continuing engagement and involvement with innovative policy 
solutions with our neighbors. I'm very pleased to see the Obama

[[Page H7718]]

administration's recent announcement of increased foreign assistance to 
Haiti and the President's participation in the Summit of the Americas, 
held in Trinidad. These are all signs of this administration's fresh 
and new engagement with the region. Caribbean-American Heritage Month 
also reminds us of the large and diverse constituencies of Caribbean-
Americans in our Nation and provided us with an opportunity to send a 
message of good will to the Caribbean community both here and abroad. 
This month also provided us with an opportunity to share in the rich 
culture of our natives through showcases of Caribbean art, festivals, 
concerts and films. In my own district in Oakland, California, the 
Caribbean-American Heritage Association of Northern California 
celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the people of the Caribbean 
through a musical concert and family picnic. The association also 
hosted its Third Annual Caribbean-American Heritage Legacy Awards 
ceremony, honoring the contributions of Caribbean-Americans to our 
great country. Just as we should commemorate the achievements of the 
many diverse communities that make up this great country, the United 
States Government should continue to celebrate the rich history and 
diversity of Caribbean-Americans and work each and every day to ensure 
that the issues of concern to Caribbean-Americans and the nations of 
the Caribbean are included in our policy debates here in the Congress. 
I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure to 
honor and salute the Caribbean-American community and to acknowledge 
their rich and varied contributions to the history, culture and 
progress of the United States.
  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers at this moment. I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes 
to a cosponsor of this measure, the gentlelady from the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, Donna Christensen.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Thank you for yielding, Congressman Lynch.
  As a person of Caribbean-American descent, I proudly rise in support 
of House Concurrent Resolution 127 and applaud the chairwoman of the 
Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, for leading this 
effort to recognize our joint and very special heritage. The ties 
between the United States and its close neighbors to the south are ones 
that go back to the founding of our early colonies, the fight for 
independence and the founding of this country. George Washington, our 
first President, visited family in Barbados. As you've heard many times 
this afternoon, Alexander Hamilton, his aide-de-camp, a Revolutionary 
War hero, chief author of the Federalist Papers and first Secretary of 
the Treasury, was born in Nevis and raised in St. Croix in my own 
district. The service and contributions of people from the Caribbean to 
every facet of life in this country are countless and invaluable, and 
there is much to celebrate. In a special order on June 15, members of 
the Congressional Black Caucus came to the floor to speak about many of 
those individuals, and you've heard some this afternoon. But the true 
test of the homage we pay to the special heritage that we share is what 
happens going forward, and the step taken with President Obama's 
attendance and leadership at the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad 
earlier this year bodes well for that future.
  From the inclusion of the Caribbean countries in PEPFAR to the 
extension of security initiatives, the forgiveness of Haiti's debt, 
Congresswoman Lee's proposal for the Shirley Chisholm Educational 
Exchange program for students in the United States and the Caribbean, 
and many other initiatives, the Congressional Black Caucus has actively 
fostered the relationship to the benefit of both the region and our 
country. It is fitting that this body recognizes the special heritage 
we, the people of the Caribbean and the people of the United States, 
share and the contributions of each to the other. Again, I thank 
Chairwoman Lee for introducing this resolution and urge its passage.
  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers at the moment. I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes 
to the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Hank Johnson, also a cosponsor of 
this resolution.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Caribbean-
American Heritage Month. As has been pointed out, there have been 
tremendous accomplishments made by our friends from the Caribbean, and 
it's only just that we recognize them today for the achievements that 
they have procured not just for folks of Caribbean descent but also for 
all Americans. There have been great contributions, and there will 
continue to be great contributions.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that in this Congress we have a number of 
folks from the Caribbean, including my good friend and colleague Donna 
Christensen, whose quest has been on health care for the time that she 
has been in office. And she is getting ready to have her dreams 
realized with a good start that we're going to do on health care. Then, 
not to leave anyone out, but I do want to recognize my colleague and 
class member Yvette Clarke, who, as a staunch advocate for small 
businesses, is poised to do great things on behalf of small businesses, 
and I admire her for what she has done already and what she will do in 
the future.
  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the passage of 
House Concurrent Resolution 127, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I'd just ask all of our 
Members to support Ms. Barbara Lee, the lead sponsor of this 
legislation, in support of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, and I ask 
all of our Members to join her in that effort.
  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of H. Con. Res. 127, recognizing the significance of National 
Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I would like to thank my colleague 
Representative Barbara Lee from California for introducing this 
important piece of legislation, as well as its many other co-sponsors.
  I stand in support of this legislation because it recognizes the 
profound role that Caribbean-Americans have played in the development 
of this great country. Social scientists call the United States of 
America ``the Melting Pot'' because of the vast number of cultures, 
races, ethnicities, skills, talents, and ideas that come together to 
make this experiment in democracy work. Caribbean-Americans are 
integral to that process.
  Slave laborers brought to the United States from the Caribbean laid 
the foundation for this country in its earliest days. Today, millions 
of Carribean-Americans have immigrated to the United States on their 
own accord, bringing with them their vibrant culture and firm ideals. 
From beginning the Department of the Treasury and breaking color 
barriers to changing the sound of Salsa and the Harlem Renaissance, our 
nation's history is steeply ingrained with the contributions of 
Caribbean-Americans. Caribbean nations are important neighbors and 
partners within the global community, playing a vital role in the 
pursuit of peace and prosperity throughout the world. Caribbean-
American poet Claude McKay once said, ``Nations, like plants and human 
beings, grow. And if the development is thwarted they are dwarfed and 
overshadowed.'' The United States owes a great deal of its development 
to the Caribbean, its people, and its culture. I urge my colleagues to 
join me in supporting this legislation recognizing the significance of 
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to Caribbean 
Heritage Month. In New York Carib News' June 16, 2009 edition, the 
article highlights the important contributions made by Caribbean 
Americans to both the Untied States and their respective home 
countries. The article refers to President Obama as having recognized 
the importance of the Caribbean American community and the enormous 
contributions it has made to the United States over past centuries. The 
Caribbean community continues the tradition of offering a vibrant 
culture, as have so many other cultures that have helped to define our 
American heritage. It is important to note the contributions made by 
English, French, Spanish and Dutch speaking nations of the Caribbean, 
as each of these brings its own cultural aspect to the larger American 
community.
  It is imperative that we note not only the contributions Caribbean 
Americans have made to the United States, but also the contributions 
they have made to their home countries. Each year, Caribbean Americans 
remit billions of dollars per year to CARICOM nations, and maintain a 
multi-billion dollar buying power, some of which is used to advance the 
growth of their home countries. The Caribbean Heritage Month 
celebration that will kick off in Brooklyn is defined by music, 
theatre, panel discussions, a cultural fair, and other activities

[[Page H7719]]

that actively illustrate the culture of the Caribbean.
  In the years to come, it is important that the United States maintain 
a strong relationship with the Caribbean nations. The value that these 
nations place on growth and economic development, as well as personal 
advancement are values reflected in American culture and thus show the 
commonalities that our country shares with these nations. As we 
continue to cultivate these relationships, let us not forget the wealth 
of interchangeable benefit such communication and interaction with one 
another can yield. Caribbean Heritage Month plays an integral role in 
shaping America's understanding that such nations play in our progress 
and growth. May this Caribbean Heritage Month designation continue to 
draw from the unique culture of Caribbean Americans, and be used as a 
source of influence for continued Caribbean-American relations.
  Mr. LYNCH. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Lynch) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 127.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. HARPER. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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