US President declares June National Caribbean-American Heritage Month

0
1915

WASHINGTON – United States President Joe Biden has declared June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, saying that America’s strength has always been rooted in its diversity.

“Since our Nation’s founding, generation after generation of immigrants have helped build this country. The prosperity and opportunity that draw so many immigrants to America would not be possible without the contributions and legacies of Caribbean Americans,” said Biden in a White House Proclamation.

“Today, millions of Caribbean Americans strengthen our country through their vibrant cultures, traditions, languages, and values,” Biden said, honoring the “immeasurable ways Caribbean Americans have added to our American dream.”

In June, he said that America also celebrates “the extraordinary leadership and achievements” of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black American of Jamaican heritage to hold this high office. Harris is the daughter of a retired Jamaican-born economist and an Indian mother.

Biden also honored “brilliant and dedicated public servants” of Caribbean heritage, including Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice.

“Every day, we see the invaluable contributions Caribbean American communities have made to our country. Our Nation has seen the persistence and character of generations of Caribbean Americans who have fought for equity and equality, despite continued discrimination and hardship.”

In addition, the US President said public servants like the US’ first Supreme Court Justice of Puerto Rican descent, Sonia Sotomayor, and the late General Colin Powell, the son of Jamaican immigrants and the first Black Secretary of State.

He said they have made “essential contributions to American society and blazed new trails in service to the American people.”

Biden said Caribbean American entrepreneurs, scientists, medical professionals, teachers, artists, police officers, athletes, and “contributors in every field have also impacted our society.”

But he said, “despite innumerable achievements and undeniable contributions, too many Caribbean Americans continue to face systemic barriers to success.

“Systemic racism and disparities in opportunity have impacted Caribbean Americans,” said Biden, stating that his administration has taken “a whole-of-government approach to advancing racial justice and equity to begin healing those wounds and strengthening opportunity for all.

“We will continue to use every tool to ensure that every American, no matter who they are or where they come from, has equal access to the American dream,” he pledged.

“During this National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we honor the generations of Caribbean Americans who have built our Nation, shaped our progress, and strengthened our national character.

“Now, therefore, I, Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do at this moment proclaim June 2022 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month,” he declared, urging all Americans to “join in celebrating the history culture, and achievements of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

Biden also proclaimed June National Immigrant Heritage Month, saying that the United States is “a nation of immigrants, shaped by the courageous people from around the world who leave their homes, lives, and loved ones to seek refuge and opportunity on our shores.

Biden said immigrants have also helped the United States lead the world in science, technology, and innovation while contributing to the arts, culture, and government.

“They bring new traditions, customs, and perspectives that keep American innovation dynamic,” he said, adding that his administration is “committed to ensuring that our immigration system is accessible and humane.

“I have called on the Congress to comprehensively pass long-overdue legislation to reform our immigration system. Through multiple Executive Orders, I have also directed agencies across the Federal Government to remove barriers that improperly impede access to immigration benefits and assure fair and timely adjudication of those benefits.”

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here