[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9458 of May 31, 2016

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The dynamism and diversity of Caribbean Americans have contributed to
our Nation's story in extraordinary ways. Millions of people in the
United States are connected to our Caribbean neighbors through ties of
commerce and family--a relationship reinforced by the values and history
we hold in common. During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we
celebrate the contributions of our Caribbean-American brothers and
sisters, and we reflect on how they have bolstered our country and
enriched our traditions.
The bonds between the United States and the Caribbean remain strong.
Both rooted in similar legacies--of trial and triumph, oppression and
liberation--our narratives have advanced on a similar path of progress,
driven forward by our shared dedication to fostering opportunity and
forging a brighter future. Caribbean Americans excel in our
universities, inspire us as athletes and musicians, guide us as
community and government leaders, and keep us safe through dedicated
service in our Armed Forces.
The United States is committed to working with the nations of the
Caribbean to advance security, liberty, and prosperity. That is why we
have begun a new chapter in our relationship with Cuba--extending a new
hand of friendship to the Cuban people that offers fresh hope for both
our futures and will improve the lives of those living in both our
countries. My Administration also introduced the 100,000 Strong in the
Americas initiative to provide higher education exchanges to students
across the Western Hemisphere, and we launched the Young Leaders of the
Americas Initiative to address persistent opportunity gaps in the
Americas and to give emerging entrepreneurs and civil society leaders
the resources they need to reach their full potential. In harnessing the
spirit and boldness of young people in the Caribbean and throughout the
Americas, and in channeling their creativity and innovation, we can
continue to build on the progress we have made. And by carrying out
Jamaican-American poet Claude McKay's call to ``strive on to gain the
height although it may not be in sight,'' we can enable more young
people, here at home and throughout the Caribbean, to reach for the
change that is within their grasp.

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The legacy of Caribbean Americans is one of tenacity and drive; it
reminds us that in America, with faith and determination, anything is
possible. This month, let us honor the resilient heritage and rich
history of Caribbean Americans, and let us reflect upon the diversity of
experiences that unites us as a people.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2016 as National
Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to
celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean Americans with
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA