[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 22, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H4645-H4647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1369) recognizing the significance of 
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1369

       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 since the passage of H. Con. Res. 71 in the 109th 
     Congress by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, 
     a proclamation has been issued annually by the President 
     declaring June National Caribbean-American Heritage Month; 
     and
       Whereas June is an appropriate month to establish a 
     Caribbean-American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, 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 
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Smith) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.


                             General Leave

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, 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 Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Before I begin, I know that Representative Barbara Lee, who is the 
author of this resolution, had wanted to be here to express her 
opinions and positions on it. Unfortunately, she could not.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1369, a resolution that 
recognizes National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Congress has 
taken time each year since 2006 to recognize Americans of Caribbean 
descent for their contributions to our Nation, and I am glad we can 
bring this measure to the floor today.
  H. Res. 1369 was introduced by my friend and colleague, 
Representative Barbara Lee, on May 18, 2010, and the Committee on 
Oversight and Government Reform ordered it to be reported by unanimous 
consent on June 17, 2010. It comes to the floor with over 50 
cosponsors, and I am pleased to join them in celebrating the rich 
heritage of Caribbean Americans.
  Millions of people from the Caribbean islands have emigrated to our 
shores for centuries. We acknowledge that many arrived here in bondage 
and against their will as slaves and indentured servants, and their 
struggles for freedom reverberate even today.
  Today, we are a better Nation for having them here. Caribbean 
Americans include such cultural figures as the poet Claude McKay, 
musician and television star Hazel Scott, actor and activist Harry 
Belafonte, as well as political leaders from Alexander Hamilton to 
former Secretary of State

[[Page H4646]]

Colin Powell and our current Attorney General, Eric Holder. These and 
countless other Caribbean Americans have made invaluable contributions 
to our Nation, and it is right that we honor them today.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I rise in support of H. Res. 1369, recognizing the significance of 
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. For the past 4 years, our 
country has proudly recognized the contributions that Caribbean 
Americans have made to our lives and our country. Since 1619, when the 
first Caribbean people came to the United States as indentured servants 
to Jamestown, the Caribbean people have held a place in our growth and 
development.
  We are proud to count among them, as we heard earlier, leaders in 
government, the military and the arts. The first Secretary of the 
Treasury and one of our Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton, was born 
in the Caribbean. Former General and Secretary of State Colin Powell; 
Academy Award winner and musician, Sydney Poitier; and social activist, 
Harry Belafonte, are all of Caribbean heritage.
  There are many similarities in the histories of the United States and 
the countries of the Caribbean. The United States and the countries of 
the Caribbean both have endured the trials of slavery, colonialism, and 
the struggle for independence. The separate countries of the Caribbean 
share a diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and religious background that 
is comparable to our multicultural Nation. These similarities are but a 
few ties that bind our countries together.
  The countries of the Caribbean are also important economic partners 
of the United States and, importantly, represent the United States' 
third border. They share our commitment to peace and prosperity 
throughout our hemisphere. These common goals make our countries both 
strategically and culturally long-time allies.
  I ask all my fellow Members to join me in celebrating National 
Caribbean-American Heritage Month and recognize the contributions 
Caribbean Americans have made to the history of the United States.
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 1369, recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American 
Heritage month. This resolution acknowledges the important 
contributions Caribbean-Americans 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 for helping to 
bring this bipartisan resolution to the floor today. I would also like 
to thank Congressman Davis for managing the floor and for graciously 
submitting my statement for the Record in my absence.
  I would also like to recognize my colleagues--Congresswoman 
Christensen, Congresswoman Clarke, Congresswoman Jackson Lee, 
Congresswoman Waters, Congressman Payne, and Congressman Burton--and 
others for their tremendous leadership on Caribbean issues.
  I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Claire Nelson and the Institute 
of Caribbean Studies--and all the other Caribbean-American 
organizations in Washington, my home state of California, and across 
the country that have worked and continue to work to make Caribbean-
American Heritage Month a great success.
  As a long-time supporter of the Caribbean and a frequent visitor to 
the region, I was very proud to see us celebrate this important 
commemorative month for the fifth straight year. Since Congress 
unanimously passed H. Con. Res. 71 in February 2006, the President has 
issued a proclamation annually recognizing June as Caribbean-American 
Heritage Month. This year, President Obama issued a proclamation on May 
28.
  People of Caribbean heritage reside in every part of our country. 
Since before our nation's founding, millions of people have emigrated 
from the Caribbean to the United States.
  Throughout U.S. history we have been fortunate to benefit from 
countless individuals of Caribbean descent who have contributed to 
American government, politics, business, arts, education, and culture--
including one of my personal mentors, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm.
  Shirley Chisholm was a woman of Ba-jan and Guyanese descent, who 
never forgot her roots in the Caribbean. She was the first African 
American woman elected to Congress and the first woman to run for 
President.
  My political involvement began as a volunteer during her historic 
presidential campaign in 1972. Through her mentorship, she strengthened 
my interest in issues of importance to the African Diaspora both here 
in the U.S. and abroad.
  During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we recognize 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, Roberto Clemente, 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 reminds us of the large and diverse 
constituencies of Caribbean-Americans in our nation, and provides us 
with an opportunity to send a message of good will to the community at 
home and abroad.
  Caribbean-American Heritage Month also provides us with an 
opportunity to celebrate and share in the rich culture of the 
Caribbean-American community through showcases of Caribbean art, 
festivals, concerts, and film.
  In my own district of Oakland, California, individuals and 
organizations celebrate the rich heritage of people of Caribbean 
descent through musical concerts and family picnics.
  In addition to presenting us with an occasion to celebrate the legacy 
of Caribbean-Americans, this month also provides us an opportunity to 
strengthen our long-term partnership with nations of the Caribbean 
Community.
  From trade, energy, and immigration to disaster preparedness, HIV/
AIDS and--as recent events in Jamaica have made clear--drug-related 
violence, we share a number of mutual policy interests with our 
Caribbean neighbors. These challenges are regional in nature, so we 
must confront them together and in partnership.
  One issue which I think deserves a special mention is the recent 
earthquake and resulting tragedy that has unfolded in Haiti. Like many 
of my CBC colleagues, I have followed Haiti's progress for some time 
now and have visited the country on multiple occasions.
  The American people, including Haitian Americans, have responded 
incredibly to the tragedy just off our shores--and along with the 
international community we have conducted one of the largest 
humanitarian responses in history.
  Once the cameras are gone and Haiti slips off the front pages and the 
24-hour news cycle, it is up to us to ensure that the United States 
maintains its attention on the plights of the Haitian people.
  Last year, I introduced H.R. 417, the Next Steps for Haiti Act, to 
create a professional exchange program to assign U.S. professionals, 
particularly Haitian-Americans, in Haiti to provide technical 
assistance in fields critical to development. Such an initiative would 
tap into the vast energy and knowledge of the Haitian Diaspora to 
promote long-term capacity building.
  H.R. 417 is just one of a number of initiatives that the U.S. can 
establish to promote the reconstruction of the country.
  The recent tragedy in Haiti provides us, to use an oft-quoted phrase, 
with an opportunity to ``rebuild Haiti differently.'' I believe that in 
order to rebuild differently, in a manner that is sustainable and works 
to end--not promote--Haiti's dependence on foreign aid, we must promote 
ownership amongst the Haitian people.
  It is critical that any long-term reconstruction and development 
agenda is Haitian-led, that Haitian civil society and the Haitian 
Diaspora play a central role, and that such an agenda focuses on 
building the capacity of the Haitian Government to provide basic 
services and protect the social, civil, and political rights of its 
people.
  Only by empowering Haitians to rebuild their own lives and their own 
country will we truly ``rebuild differently.''
  I would like to end by stating that although the Caribbean faces many 
challenges, we understand that we must face them together. Despite the 
often turbulent history between the United States and Caribbean 
countries, our ties cannot be pinned down to geography alone, or 
economics alone, or even history alone. The region continues to shape 
us as Americans as much as we here continue to shape the Caribbean.
  So I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this measure 
to honor the Caribbean-American community, and to honor the rich gifts 
that they have given and continue to give this country.
  Let us continue to celebrate the rich diversity of this nation of 
immigrants and recognize that it will forever be the great blessing and 
strength of our country.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my 
support of H. Res. 1369, 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

[[Page H4647]]

the many facets of these United States. Growing up, my parents 
instilled in me a strong appreciation for the Caribbean values they 
learned in Jamaica: a strong work ethic and 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 Chisholm, 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. They worked in fields picking cotton, tobacco and 
crops just as the slaves did.
  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.
  Moreover, this is a nation that reaches out to immigrants. None of us 
will forget the earthquake that shook Haiti to its very foundations in 
every sense of the word on January 12, 2010. Since then, we have all 
seen the outpouring of support to the Haitian people and their families 
on behalf of the American people.
  What fewer notice perhaps, are the powerful contributions that 
Haitians have made to America, its history and its culture. In 1779 
soldiers from then Saint Dominique, now Haiti, fought alongside 
American revolutionaries. Despite the fact that the then slave-holding 
United States did not look favorably upon an Independence Movement it 
saw as a dangerous slave rebellion, many historians attribute the 
Louisiana Purchase partly to the fact that Haitian slaves rose up 
against their French masters from 1794 to 1801. Haitian born Jean 
Baptiste Pointe du Sable founded Chicago, one of our great cities. And 
Americans from coast to coast have enjoyed the contributions Wyclef 
Jean, another of Haiti's sons, has made to our musical culture. Indeed, 
from history to food to music, Haiti has a long history of helping to 
shape America.
  H. Res. 1369 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 the 
unique diversity that 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.
  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1369.
  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. DAVIS of Illinois. 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.

                          ____________________