[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 87 (Tuesday, June 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2015

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of 
Caribbean American Heritage Month, which celebrates and recognizes the 
significant contributions made by Caribbean Americans that have 
strengthened our country and made it better.
  This month also marks the 53rd 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 Houston, Texas, which 
is home to more than 300,000 Americans of Caribbean heritage, making it 
one of the largest, most diverse, and vibrant Caribbean-American 
communities in the nation.
  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; and Kamala Harris, the Attorney General of 
California.
  Caribbean Americans have enriched American art and culture with the 
legendary performances of Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Cicely 
Tyson, Nia Long, and Cuba Gooding, Jr.; the writings of authors W.E.B. 
DuBois and Malcolm Gladwell; the music of Beyonce Knowles, Lenny 
Kravitz, Rihanna, and Wyclef Jean; and the prowess of great athletes 
like Carl Lewis, Tim Duncan, Patrick Ewing, Sandra Richards-Ross, and 
Ndamukong Suh.
  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that this Saturday, June 6, the city 
of Houston will be hosting the 5th annual Caribbean American Heritage 
Month Festival, which celebrates the rich culture of the Caribbean with 
a showcase of beautiful costumes, music, food, and enjoyment for all.
  I also wish to recognize the leadership of the Caribbean American 
Heritage Foundation of Texas, which works to assist Texas Caribbean 
Organizations achieve their goals and to advocate on behalf of the 
peoples of Caribbean descent.
  I congratulate the Caribbean American Heritage Foundation of Texas, 
the Caribbean Heritage Organization in my home city of Houston, 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.

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