Past Displays - Books: Caribbean American Heritage Month

2006 was the first year National Caribbean American Heritage Month was observed, celebrating the achievements and contributions of Caribbean immigrants to the United States and their descendants. Efforts to establish the heritage month had been in the works since 1999, but a bill to launch it was not passed until 2005, spearheaded by Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Institute of Caribbean Studies President Dr. Claire Nelson. Every year since, the White House has issued a proclamation recognizing June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month, reminding America to celebrate diversity and the history that has come from it.