HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-06-19 - Caribbean American Heritage MonthProclamation
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Lydia Kou
Mayor
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
June 2023
WHEREAS, the commemoration of National Caribbean Heritage Month was adopted by the U.S. House of
Representatives in 2005 to recognize the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history
and culture of the United States. The resolution passed the Senate in February 2006 and President George H.W.
Bush issued the proclamation in June 2006; and
WHEREAS, during Caribbean American Heritage Month, we acknowledge the significant ways Americans
with roots in the Caribbean have enriched our culture and society as educators, authors, community leaders,
activists, athletes, artists, musicians, and politicians; and
WHEREAS, there is no single Caribbean American identity, and the mix of cultures, languages, religions, and
traditions alive across the United States and the islands reflects the diversity of spirit that defines the American
story; and
WHEREAS, Caribbean Americans have played an indelible role in many social and political movements,
including the Civil Rights Movement, and their participation has helped shape American history, culture, and
government; and
WHEREAS, President Joe Biden’s Cabinet includes notable leaders of Caribbean heritage, such as Vice
President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro
Mayorkas, in addition to other Caribbean American trailblazers, such as Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina
to serve on the Supreme Court, and the late General Colin Powell, the first Black Secretary of State; and
WHEREAS, 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; and
WHEREAS, we celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the Caribbean American community, including those
who live, work, and play in the City of Palo Alto.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Lydia Kou, Mayor of the City of Palo Alto on behalf of the entire City Council do
hereby proclaim June 2023 as Caribbean American Heritage Month and encourage all citizens to celebrate the
many contributions of Caribbean Americans and continue to fight against systemic injustices impacting the
Caribbean American community.
PRESENTED: June 19, 2023