[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 92 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATION OF CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

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                       HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2011

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, as the month of June draws to a close, 
I rise to recognize the celebration of Caribbean American Heritage 
Month. The past, present and future of the Caribbean is closely 
associated with that of this country, as our islands exist between two 
great continents and are affected by the social, economic and political 
decisions that are made by our neighbors to the north and to the 
south.The Caribbean, and Caribbean Americans were there at the founding 
of this great country and continue to be a part of its evolution into 
the 21st century.
  As it relates to the territory that I represent, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, from the rum trade that helped to fund the American 
Revolution, to the first salute of the colors of the newly declared 
nation to being the place where the young Alexander Hamilton spent his 
formative years, our contributions to the American story are well 
documented. Less known, is that our territory was purchased from 
Denmark almost 100 years ago in conjunction with the building of the 
Panama Canal as a means to defend that and other American interests in 
the region. Also less known are the contributions of our citizens who 
left the islands to live in this great nation and to contribute as 
average citizens who are teachers, doctors, and businessmen, and as 
standouts in the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights movement in 
this country. The Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean have 
contributed and continue to contribute soldiers, historians, activists, 
legislators and yes, Members of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, this year, the Institute of Caribbean Studies led by the 
indomitable Dr. Claire Nelson has recognized Members of Congress of 
Caribbean American Heritage who served in the past and who serve now. 
In addition to myself, the Honrable Barbara Lee, the Honorable Sheila 
Jackson Lee, the Honorable Yvette Clarke and the Honorable Frederica 
Wilson who proudly serve now, they also recognized former Members, the 
Honorable Mervyn Dymally and the late, great Shirley Chisholm. 
Caribbean American members continue to serve this country in every walk 
of life in entertainment, in law, in finance, in economic development. 
The countries in the Caribbean Basin continue to be friends and allies 
of our great nation. It is only fitting that Caribbean American 
Heritage be a relationship that is honored and recognized on an annual 
basis.

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