[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 104 (Monday, July 13, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1742-E1743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support of H. Con. Res. 127, which recognizes the significance of 
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
  As a child of Jamaican parents, I understand the importance of 
recognizing the influence Caribbean cultures continues to have on all 
facets of these United States. Growing up, my parents, who hail from 
Jamaica, instilled in me a strong appreciation for their Caribbean 
values. As a result of my upbringing, I have adopted a strong work 
ethic arid tremendous pride in my heritage. As a parent, I have passed 
on these same values to my own children, so they will develop a sense 
of pride in their Caribbean heritage and acknowledge the many roles 
Caribbean people play in shaping this nation. I whole-heartedly support 
this resolution that commemorates Caribbean heritage, history, culture 
and contributions to the United States.
  In her 1970 autobiography, Shirley Chislom, the first black woman 
elected to Congress, credited her success to the education she received 
while attending school in Barbados. She wrote, ``Years later I would 
know what an important gift my parents had given me by seeing to it 
that I had my early education in the strict, traditional, British-style 
schools of Barbados. If I speak and write easily now, that early 
education is the main reason.''
  This is a nation built by immigrants. From as early as the 17th 
century there have been individuals from the Caribbean Islands, working 
here in the United States as indentured servants in the colony of 
Jamestown, Virginia.

[[Page E1743]]

They worked in fields picking cotton, tobacco and crops just as the 
slaves.
  Caribbean immigrants have been contributing to the well-being of 
American society since its founding. Alexander Hamilton, the First 
Secretary of the Treasury was from the Caribbean island of St. Kitts. 
We count among our famous sons and daughters, Secretary of State Colin 
Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B. Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry 
Belafonte and Sidney Poitier to name a few.
  H. Con. Res. 127 recognizes the significance of Caribbean people and 
their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. Our 
nation would not be what it is today without these significant 
contributions of the Caribbean people and we should honor these 
accomplishments with the passing of this legislation. The contributions 
of Caribbean-Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, 
and heritage of the United States and play an important role in shaping 
the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States, which ultimately 
enriches and strengthens our nation.
  By passing this legislation we continue to honor the friendship 
between the United States and Caribbean countries. We are united by our 
common values and shared history, and we should celebrate the rich 
Caribbean Heritage and the many ways in which Caribbean Americans have 
helped shape this nation.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to pay tribute to the 
common culture and bonds of friendship that unite the United States and 
the Caribbean countries.

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