[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 91 (Friday, June 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF H. RES. 289 ``COMMEMORATING CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE 
                                MONTH''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 15, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. 
Res. 289, which celebrates June as Caribbean American Heritage Month 
and recognizes the significant contributions of Caribbean Americans 
that have made strengthened our country and made it better.
  This month also marks the 50th anniversaries of independence for the 
Caribbean nations of Jamaica and of Trinidad and Tobago. Although a 
half century has passed since they gained their independence, the 
struggle they waged to win their freedom still stands as a testament to 
the ideals of our own great nation.
  I am privileged to represent a large segment of Los Angeles County, 
which is home to the second largest foreign-born population of any 
major metropolitan area. There are an estimated 500,000 Americans of 
Caribbean heritage living, working, and enriching the quality of life 
in Southern California.
  Mr. Speaker, Americans of Caribbean heritage have made a positive 
impact on virtually every aspect of American life, including the arts, 
science, business, education, athletics, military, and government. For 
example, in the area of government and public affairs America has 
benefitted from the contributions of Colin Powell, a former Secretary 
of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; U.N. Ambassador 
Susan Rice; former Members of Congress Mervyn Dymally of California, 
and Shirley Chisholm of New York, and current Congresswoman Yvette 
Clarke of New York; Kamala Harris, the Attorney General of California; 
and Maryland Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown.
  American art and culture has been enriched by the legendary 
performances of Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Cicely Tyson, and 
Sheryl Lee Ralph; the writings of authors W.E.B. DuBois and Malcolm 
Gladwell; the music of Grace Jones, Gil Scott-Heron, and Christopher 
Wallace, ``The Notorious B.I.G.''; and the prowess of great athletes 
like Carl Lewis, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Sandra Richards-Ross, 
Dwight Freeney, and Ndamukong Suh.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that on June 29 the Caribbean Heritage 
Organization will be holding the 2012 Caribbean Heritage Salute to 
Hollywood and the Stars gala in Los Angeles honoring industry stalwarts 
Sheryl Lee Ralph, Antonio Fargas, Lorraine Toussaint, and Rob Edwards.
  I also wish to recognize the leadership of the Institute of Caribbean 
Studies. The ICS has been very effective in advocating on behalf of the 
Caribbean American community and each year it hosts a Legislative 
Conference Week as part of the month long celebration. The conference 
focuses the attention of policy makers and experts on issues of 
particular concern to the Caribbean American community such as trade, 
job creation and economic empowerment, Haitian disaster relief and 
economic reconstruction. I congratulate the ICS, the Caribbean Heritage 
Organization in my home county of Los Angeles, and the many community 
organizations and volunteers across the nation for their efforts in 
making Caribbean American Heritage Month the success that it is.
  During this month I hope all Americans will join with me in 
celebrating the remarkable history, culture, and contributions of 
Caribbean Americans to our nation's past and future.

                          ____________________