2021 marks the thirteenth anniversary of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
It is observed to remind Americans that their greatness lies in their diversity. This year's theme is Our Shared History, Our Shared Future. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Caribbean-American population of the United States was almost 13.2 million in June 2018. Some of the largest Caribbean ancestry groups in the U.S. include: Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicanos, Jamaicans, Haitians, Trinidadians and Tobagonians, Bajans, Belizeans, Bahamians, and U.S. Virgin Islanders.
This month many will be saluting Caribbean Americans and celebrating their diversity. However, despite the powerful legacy of achievement of Caribbean Americans, many members of the Caribbean-American community continue to face systemic barriers to equity, opportunity, and justice. Systemic racism has uniquely impacted Black and Latino immigrant communities, including Caribbean Americans, leading to disparities in health care, education, housing, criminal justice, and economic opportunity.
It is only right that there is a celebration of the legacy and essential contributions of Caribbean Americans who have added so much to the American fabric.
The President of the United States has encouraged all Americans to join in these celebrations in recognition of Caribbean Americans countless gifts and contributions to this Nation.
Innitiatives that will advance racial justice and equity for members of the Caribbean-American community also need to be championed on a national platform.
Read more:
https://www.blackprwire.com/press-releases/bprw-june-is-caribbean-american-heritage-month-1
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/06/01/a-proclamation-on-national-caribbean-american-heritage-month-2021/