[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 6, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2745-H2746]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
the Virgin Islands (Ms. Plaskett) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PLASKETT. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Caribbean 
American Heritage Month. This June, we acknowledge and celebrate our 
diverse Caribbean-American contributions to this Nation's history for 
the 17th year.
  Personally, I am so proud of my Caribbean lineage and want to honor 
the universal pride that all Caribbean people share across the United 
States.
  Historically, Caribbean Americans have been key players in the 
development, growth, and richness of this country.
  Originally entering the United States in bondage, Caribbean people 
endured the brutalities of chattel slavery for centuries but fought for 
and attained liberation.
  My home, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and Haiti are the 
only two places to organize a slave revolt that led to successful 
freedom from that revolt in the history of the Western Hemisphere.
  Caribbean-American history is one of struggle and of triumph. 
Descendants of these heroes and heroines would later search for greater 
opportunities here on the mainland, as well as elsewhere.
  Wherever we have gone, we have led to become pioneers and 
revolutionaries of our times. Some of the most influential Caribbean-
American figures have indisputably driven change and progress in this 
Nation and continuously aid in its endeavors to achieve freedom and 
prosperity.
  Our unique and colorful cultures, traditions, and stories have 
enriched and helped transform U.S. history such as the invaluable 
contributions in government, academia, athletics, business, the arts 
and sciences, and so many more which have shaped the fabric of this 
Nation.
  Members of our leadership, such as Colin Powell, a descendant of 
Jamaican parents, who shattered racial barriers as the first Black 
National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and 
Secretary of State. The son of Jamaican immigrants, Powell was a 
dedicated Army general, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom 
twice, following in the footsteps of the first notable Caribbean 
American, Alexander Hamilton.
  Susan Rice, Shirley Chisholm, and, of course, our present Vice 
President, Kamala Harris, all share Caribbean heritage and have served 
this country as political figures. We honor them and the legacy they 
have left.
  Journalists like Karine Jean-Pierre, who is the first Black and 
Caribbean American ever to become a press secretary for a U.S. 
President, and others such as Joy Reid, Yamiche Alcindor, and Abby 
Phillip are Caribbean-American women who continue to disrupt the media 
by uplifting and amplifying Black voices.
  Our contributions are not limited to those within the rule of law. 
Caribbean Americans have a long history of social activists, free 
thinkers, and revolutionaries.
  Everyone recalls Denmark Vesey who led the slave revolt in South 
Carolina, a free man who died to free others.
  Hubert Harrison, a fellow Virgin Islander and New Yorker who was 
often left in the shadows, was considered the father of Harlem 
radicalism.
  Men like Malcolm X, whose mother was from Grenada; Marcus Garvey of 
Jamaica; Kwame Ture, formerly known as Stokely Carmichael, founder of 
the Black Panthers, was from Trinidad; and James Wendell Johnson, who 
wrote ``Lift Every Voice and Sing,'' whose family was from the Bahamas, 
all played crucial roles in the civil rights movement, and they left 
lasting impacts on this country.
  The Caribbean-American experience has inspired countless works of 
art. A people rich in imagination, they are continuously at the 
forefront of exceptional and innovative artistic expression.
  Jean-Michel Basquiat, a Haitian of Puerto Rican descent, was a 
leading figure in the neo-expressionism movement.
  Musicians and actors such as Harry Belafonte, Cicely Tyson, and Hazel 
Scott are visionaries in their field.
  We continue to credit much of our scientific advancements to 
individuals

[[Page H2746]]

such as Neil deGrasse Tyson, who everybody looks to and applauds, the 
son of a beautiful Puerto Rican sister, a renowned astrophysicist, 
author, and science communicator, recognized for his ``extraordinary 
role in exciting the public about the wonders of science.''
  In athletics, an abundance of individuals have had monumental success 
and shown grace and leadership, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a son of 
Caribbean immigrants.
  Two other athletes, in particular, that I cannot stop mentioning from 
the Virgin Islands are: Tim Duncan and Aliyah Boston.
  This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the past, act in the 
present, and envision the future. We applaud Caribbean American 
Heritage Month.

                          ____________________