[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[House]
[Pages 15680-15683]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE 
                                 MONTH

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 364) Recognizing the 
Significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 364

       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 much 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, cultural, and religious 
     backgrounds;
       Whereas the independence movements in many countries in the 
     Caribbean region 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 there have been many influential Caribbean-
     Americans in the history of the United States, including Jean 
     Baptiste Point 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; Shirley 
     Chisholm, the first African-American Congresswoman and first 
     African-American woman candidate for President; and Celia 
     Cruz, the world-renowned queen of Salsa music;
       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; Roberto Clemente, the first 
     Latino inducted into the baseball hall of fame; and Al Roker, 
     a meteorologist and television personality;
       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 
     education, fine arts, business, literature, journalism, 
     sports, fashion, politics, government, the military, music, 
     science, technology, and other areas in the United States;
       Whereas Caribbean-Americans share their culture through 
     carnivals, festivals, music, dance, film, and literature that 
     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 in both June 2006 and June 2007, President George 
     W. Bush issued a proclamation declaring June National 
     Caribbean-American Heritage Month after the passage of H. 
     Con. Res. 71 in the 109th Congress by both the Senate and the 
     House of Representatives; and
       Whereas June is an appropriate month to establish a 
     Caribbean-American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), 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 New 
York (Mr. Higgins) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.

[[Page 15681]]

  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam 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 New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and 
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in consideration 
of H. Con. Res. 364, a resolution that recognizes the significance of 
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
  H. Con. Resolution 364, which has cosponsorship of 59 of our 
colleagues, was introduced by Representative Barbara Lee of California 
on May 22, 2008. It was considered by and reported from the Oversight 
Committee on July 16, 2008, by voice vote.
  Throughout the history of the United States, persons of Caribbean 
descent have made significant contributions in the shaping of America's 
culture and character. Caribbean-Americans have become one of our 
greatest leaders, entrepreneurs, and entertainers, including such 
individuals as Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Colin Powell, James 
Weldon Johnson, Shirley Chisholm, Marion Jones, Juan Carlos Finlay, 
Oscar de la Renta, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, and many others.
  I would like to thank Representative Lee for introducing this 
resolution. It provides us with an important opportunity to recognize 
and celebrate the contributions of Caribbean-Americans to the history, 
progress, and heritage of the United States. It is essential that we in 
the House support our fellow Americans and agree to the resolution, H. 
Con. Res. 364, recognizing the significance of National Caribbean 
American Heritage Month.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  I rise today in support of this resolution recognizing the 
significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
  Since 2006 each June our Nation has celebrated the influence and 
contributions of Caribbean-Americans, and we pay tribute to the bonds 
of friendship that unite us to our third border to the east: the 
Caribbean nations. A captivating mosaic of racial, cultural, and 
religious backgrounds, Caribbean-Americans come from a heritage sharing 
many historical and economic ties to our great Nation. Enduring the 
yoke of colonialism, the trials of slavery, and ultimate freedom of 
independence, Caribbean nations mirror our vision of regional and 
global peace and prosperity.
  Since first arriving in America in 1619, generations of Caribbean 
immigrants have enriched our Nation, weaving their vibrant culture, 
music, and rich traditions into our national fabric. Their talent, 
faith, and values helped shape the history of our country.
  From Founding Father Alexander Hamilton to baseball legends such as 
Roberto Clemente and musical talents such as Bob Marley and Toots and 
the Maytals, they have strengthened the United States heritage. Their 
music enriches our ears and unique flavors warm our pallets. Their art 
and traditions enrich our souls.
  I urge my colleagues to support this resolution in honor of the 
contributions of the past, the enduring vibrance of the more than 5 
million Americans that share a Caribbean heritage and the historical 
bonds that unite our nations.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I now yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Lee).
  Ms. LEE. First, let me thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Higgins) for yielding, for managing the floor this afternoon on this 
resolution, and also for your leadership and for your support.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my resolution, H. Con. Res. 
364, recognizing June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. 
This resolution acknowledges the important contributions which 
Caribbean-Americans have made to our Nation's history.
  Let me begin by thanking Chairman Waxman of the Oversight and 
Government Reform Committee and Ranking Member Tom Davis for helping to 
bring this bipartisan resolution to the floor today. I also want to 
thank Congressman Danny Davis for his tremendous leadership on the 
subcommittee and for his support of this bill. I would like to also 
recognize all of our colleagues, and there are so many of our 
colleagues here on both sides of the aisle, who have worked on issues 
related to the Caribbean for many, many years. I would like to 
acknowledge the Institute for Caribbean Studies and all other 
Caribbean-American organizations that worked 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 3rd year this year. Since the resolution's 
initial passage by Congress in 2006, the President has issued a 
proclamation recognizing Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June, 
2006, 2007, and 2008.
  People of Caribbean heritage reside in every part of our country. 
Since 1820, millions of people have emigrated from the Caribbean region 
to the United States. Throughout United States 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 sheroes, the 
Honorable, our beloved, the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
  Shirley Chisholm was a woman of Bajan 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 and first African 
American to run for President. My political involvement actually began 
as a volunteer during her historic presidential campaign in 1972. 
Through her mentorship, she strengthened my interest in addressing 
issues of importance to the African Diaspora both here in the United 
States and abroad, including the Caribbean and in Africa.
  In addition to Shirley Chisholm, during Caribbean-American Heritage 
Month, we also recognize people like Alexander Hamilton, Hazel Scott, 
Sidney Poitier, Wyclef Jean, Eric Holder, Colin Powell, Harry 
Belafonte, Celia Cruz; and, of course, our colleagues, daughters of the 
Caribbean, Congresswoman Donna Christensen, Congresswoman Sheila 
Jackson-Lee, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and many others who helped 
shape this country and continue to work on each and every issue related 
to the U.S.-Caribbean affairs. These colleagues of ours, they are 
making a remarkable mark on the leadership which they bring to every 
issue as it relates to not only our domestic policy but our foreign 
policy. So they should be recognized and honored each and every day as 
well as during June of every year.
  Caribbean-American Heritage Month also provided an opportunity for us 
to strengthen our long-term partnership with CARICOM through greater 
dialogue and engagement. From disaster preparedness, education, and the 
campaign against HIV/AIDS and other health disparities, trade and aid 
and development, we share a number of mutual policy interests with our 
Caribbean neighbors.
  For example, last month we were able to address these important 
issues relating to the Caribbean through the Institute for Caribbean 
Studies' Caribbean-American Legislative Forum held right here on 
Capitol Hill. And I have to take a moment to thank a member of my 
staff, Nicole King, a daughter of St. Lucia, for her very effective 
staff work on this resolution and many of our legislative efforts 
related to the Caribbean.
  In addition, the Caribbean People International Collective, Inc. held 
a

[[Page 15682]]

roundtable discussion on health in the immigrant community. This event 
promoted the goals and ideals of National Caribbean-American HIV/AIDS 
Awareness Day.
  Most recently, this year's global rise in food costs keenly affected 
the people of the Caribbean, particularly our friends in Haiti. The 
crisis highlighted the need for reengagement and opened the door for 
innovative policy solutions. Under the extraordinary leadership of the 
Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks 
Kilpatrick, Members of Congress visited Haiti to come back with 
recommendations to address the emerging food crisis in Haiti, and it is 
a crisis. Last month CARICOM heads of state held their New York 
Conference on the Caribbean--
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 additional minute to the 
gentlewoman.
  Ms. LEE. As I was saying, Madam Speaker, CARICOM heads of state held 
their New York Conference on the Caribbean under the theme ``A 20/20 
Vision,'' where they met with regional policymakers, the academic 
community, private sectors, and financial institutions, as well as 
members of the Caribbean Diaspora, to better integrate policy interests 
between the United States and the Caribbean.
  H. Con. Res. 364 promotes the importance of recognizing that our 
policies in the Caribbean affect us here in the United States. 
Caribbean-American Heritage Month reminded us of the large and diverse 
constituencies of Caribbean-Americans in our Nation and provided an 
opportunity to send a message of goodwill to the Caribbean community 
both here and abroad. This month also provided an opportunity to 
celebrate and share in the rich history and culture of our Caribbean 
neighbors through showcases of Caribbean art festivals, concerts, and 
film. As an example, in my own district in Oakland, the Caribbean-
American Association of Northern California celebrated the rich 
cultural heritage of the Caribbean through a musical concert and family 
day picnic.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the 
gentlewoman.
  Ms. LEE. Thank you for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I just want to conclude by recognizing once again 
activities in my district, the Second Annual Caribbean-American 
Heritage Legacy Award honoring the contribution of Caribbean-Americans. 
And here, of course, in Washington, D.C., the Caribbean Carnival hosted 
their annual carnival parade that drew more than 300,000 participants.
  So just as we commemorate the achievements of the many diverse 
communities in our Nation, the United States Government should 
encourage all people to celebrate the rich history and diversity of 
Caribbean-Americans.
  Thank you again for yielding the time, for your leadership, and for 
supporting this bill.

                              {time}  1700

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I would now yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from New York, Yvette Clarke.
  Ms. CLARKE. First, I would like to thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee, 
the lead sponsor on this legislation, for her ongoing commitment and 
diligence in championing such an important resolution. She has served 
as a true advocate for national recognition of Caribbean people and 
their descendants in the United States. I also want to thank 
Congressman Higgins for his leadership and his support and management 
of this resolution to the floor today.
  As a second generation Caribbean American, American by birth, 
Caribbean by parentage, specifically Jamaican, I am proud to be a 
cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 364. National Caribbean Heritage Month is for 
the millions of Caribbean people and their American descendants, an 
affirmation and much deserved recognition of their role and 
contribution to the growth and development of our Nation, as well as 
the region within this hemisphere from which these Americans, like 
myself, have come.
  Caribbean American Heritage Month was created to herald the unique 
historic relationship between the people of the Caribbean region and 
the United States and the many great contributions they have made to 
our country. For centuries now, Caribbean Americans have fortified this 
great Nation. Alexander Hamilton, born 1755 in the Caribbean island 
nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, was the first Caribbean American from 
New York to serve in this body, then known as the Continental Congress. 
He has held numerous cabinet positions, including Secretary of State. 
Another influential New Yorker of Caribbean ancestry, Colin Powell, 
also held the position of Secretary of State in more recent times.
  As it relates to my district, I must mention the late, great 
Caribbean American of Barbadian and Guyanese ancestry, Congresswoman 
Shirley Chisholm, who worked in the Congress from 1969 to 1983 and was 
the first black woman to run for President of our Nation. Ms. Chisholm 
paved the way for me to serve in this body, second in the line of 
succession in the same constituency that she once served.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman from New York 
has expired.
  Mr. HIGGINS. I yield the gentlewoman 1 additional minute.
  Ms. CLARKE. As a Caribbean American woman and a Member of Congress, 
it's my hope that we can continue to improve our diplomatic and 
economic relationships and arrangements with many of our neighbors in 
the Caribbean region, such as Haiti, the Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad 
and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica and other Caribbean nations.
  The Caribbean communities, known as CARICOM, have worked with their 
citizen ambassadors in the American Caribbean diaspora to develop a 
diversified economy that is favorable to foreign direct investment from 
the United States and human resource and intellectual capital from the 
region. As such, the Caribbean nations have cooperated on tax 
enforcement matters, transparency and exchange for information with the 
United States.
  These Caribbean nations are also strategic partners and assist the 
United States' counter transnational terrorism activities, crime and 
illegal narcotics importation. These contributions and importance of 
the Caribbean region to the United States is reflected in the millions 
of people who contribute to acknowledge the pride heritage of the 
region by way of the Caribbean Carnival styled parades and festivities 
that occur across this Nation.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, I would now yield 2 minutes to the 
gentleman from Illinois, Mr. Danny Davis.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of 
this resolution. And I want to commend my colleague, Representative 
Barbara Lee, for its introduction. I also want to commend the Caribbean 
community, not only in my city of Chicago, which has a large 
population--as a matter of fact, we just finished celebrating the 
Festival of the Arts, which is a large celebration recognized by many 
people throughout the Midwest as a place to be--but we've heard 
accolades extended to individuals who have been great states persons, 
individuals who have been businesspeople and academicians. Every kind 
of person that you can think of has some heritage from the Caribbean.
  And I think that we don't have to look far when we think of our own 
colleagues that we interact with every day. And so I commend them for 
being a part of the American population, but of the African-Caribbean 
diaspora. And I commend again Representative Barbara Lee.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 364, which 
recognizes the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage 
Month. I am proud to have joined my friend, Congresswoman Barbara Lee 
in sponsoring this resolution once again.
  Madam Speaker the term ``Heritage'' is the amalgamation of things 
that make us who we are and where we are, as individuals, the people we 
are and, in this case, the nation we are.

[[Page 15683]]

  During ``Caribbean American Heritage Month,'' we celebrate the great 
contributions of Caribbean Americans to the framework of the United 
States of America. This celebration should mark an accolade to the 
common culture and liaison that create the unity between the United 
States and the Caribbean.
  The ``Caribbean American Heritage Month'' marks our appreciation for 
the many ways in which Caribbean Americans have contributed to our 
great Nation. We may look as far back as the period of 1900 to 1920 
which marked the initiation of mass labor migration from the Caribbean 
to the United States and the formation of the first large Caribbean 
communities in the United States.
  Let us not forget World War I when the recruitment of labor from the 
Caribbean became imperative. These laborers atoned for the reduced 
number of the European immigrants to the United States. More than 
100,000 Caribbean laborers were recruited for agricultural and tedious 
jobs as part of war labors. Some of them were men and women who fought 
for our country upon being granted citizenship. We should acknowledge 
the Caribbean American men and women who served our country and those 
who continue to serve this nation today.
  When we look at the history of the Caribbean Americans, we see the 
enormity of their contribution to our Nation. Likewise, we see the 
similarity in the senses that just like America; the countries of the 
Caribbean faced slavery and were colonized. We now have millions of 
people who have emigrated from the Caribbean to the United States.
  We should acknowledge the enrichment that they have contributed to 
the United States. The uniqueness in their culture has helped in 
diversifying and shaping America; thus, pulsating our States, cities 
and towns. The countries of the Caribbean have also played a role in 
the economic growth of the United States.
  As a daughter of the Caribbean myself, I also honor the contributions 
of Virgin Islanders such as D. Hamilton Jackson, a famous laborer; 
Alexander Hamilton, one of our Nation's Founding Fathers and raised on 
the island of St. Croix; and Frank Rudolph Crosswaith, who created the 
Trade Union Committee for Organizing Negro Workers, the Negro Labor 
Committee and became a founding member of the anti-Communist Union for 
Democratic Action.
  These and several other factors should be reflected during the 
Caribbean American Heritage Month. Let us honor, value and show 
gratitude to those who contribute in making us the nation that we are.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I want to thank 
Congresswoman Barbara Lee for bringing recognition to a group often 
forgotten in this racial and ethnic melting pot known as America.
  This legislation does more than recognize Caribbean-Americans or as 
many are called West Indians, it recognizes and celebrates diversity. 
Unfortunately, this country has not always celebrated its diverse 
roots. It has faltered at times in remembering that the differences can 
be celebrated as much as those things in which we share--like humanity, 
like faith in a higher power, like democracy.
  Even now as I stand and address the House floor, I am reminded that 
we have yet to pass comprehensive immigration reform. We still watch 
the television and see commercials using words like illegal and alien, 
with people that are from our southern borders of Mexico or our coastal 
south like Haiti or Cuba. Sadly, these commercials prey on the fears of 
an America in an economic crisis. These commercials speak to fear of 
other cultures, other religions, and other ways of doing business.
  What they do not show is the thousands upon thousands of new 
immigrants who make their home here and work from sun up to sun down to 
build a better tomorrow for their families. What the commercials do not 
speak to is the thousands of immigrants who come from our northern 
borders or from Europe. More importantly, these commercials do not 
speak to the foundation of one land made up of many.
  This resolution reminds us that although many in this country were 
born elsewhere or have parents who were born elsewhere they are very 
much Americans.
  Thank you, Congresswoman Lee, for reminding us to celebrate our 
diverse population by celebrating Caribbean-Americans. Each Caribbean 
country has shared her native children with these United States. From 
the classic actor and activist Sidney Poitier to the former Army 
general and Secretary of State Colin Powell, from the charismatic Celia 
Cruz to the hard-rocker Lenny Kravitz, and so many more--Caribbean-
Americans honor both their past and their present.
  Many of the Members on this very bill have parents or grandparents 
from the West Indies. Thank you for celebrating them and for 
celebrating what makes America beautiful--her diverse people.
  Madam Speaker, I want to thank all of those who strive to see an 
America made up of a diverse group of people. Many of them have given 
up not only their country of birth but their loved ones, to cross into 
an unknown land to build a dream. Let their love for America not be 
doubted because they also celebrate their native Jamaica or Bahamas or 
Dominican Republic or Trinidad--let it be a lesson that you can love 
your past, while you celebrate your future. I urge my colleagues to 
support a resolution that is about the celebration of diversity.
  Mr. HIGGINS. Madam Speaker, we have no further speakers, and I yield 
back.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Higgins) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 364.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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