LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION recognizing June 2010 as Caribbean-American
Heritage Month in Brooklyn, New York

WHEREAS, In February 2005, the United States House of Representatives
unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, recognizing the significance of
Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the
United States; on February 14, 2006, the resolution similarly passed the
Senate, culminating a two-year, bipartisan and bicameral effort; and
WHEREAS, Since the passage of the resolution in 2005, the White House
has issued an annual proclamation officially recognizing June as Carib-
bean-American Heritage Month; this proclamation marks the official
recognition that since the 16th Century the destinies of the peoples of
the Caribbean and the American continent have been inextricably linked;
and
WHEREAS, Our Nation is linked to the Caribbean by our geography as
well as our shared past and common aspirations; during National Caribbe-
an-American Heritage Month, we pay tribute to the diverse cultures and
immeasurable contributions of all Americans who trace their heritage to
the Caribbean; and
WHEREAS, Throughout our history, immigrants from Caribbean countries
have come to our shores seeking better lives and opportunities; others
were brought against their will in the bonds of slavery; all have
strived to ensure their children could achieve something greater and
have preserved the promise of America for future generations; and
WHEREAS, During the month of June, the United States celebrates the
triumph of Caribbean-Americans, a diverse community that encompasses
many nationalities and languages; they have become leaders in every
sector of American life while maintaining the varied traditions of their
countries of origin; and
WHEREAS, Caribbean-Americans enrich our national character and
strengthen the fabric of our culture, and we are proud they are part of
the American family; and
WHEREAS, The commemoration of June as Caribbean-American Heritage
Month reminds America that its greatness lies in its diversity and that
Caribbean immigrants from founding father Alexander Hamilton, to jour-
nalist Malcolm Gladwell have shaped the American dream; and
WHEREAS, Caribbean-American Heritage Month represents a significant
milestone for the Caribbean-American community in Brooklyn, New York,
home to the largest community of Caribbean people outside the Caribbean
region; and
WHEREAS, The 2010 celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month in
Brooklyn, New York, will be launched on June 2, 2010, at Brooklyn
Borough Hall and will pay special tribute to Haiti and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, In addition, on June 30, 2010, Brooklyn Borough Hall will
host its 5th Annual Caribbean-American Heritage Month festivities; the
program will include: a cultural marketplace; film, books, music and
dance presentations on the Plaza; and a taste of the Caribbean featuring
cuisine from across the islands; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that Caribbean-Amer-
ican Heritage Month represents a significant milestone for the Caribbe-
an-American community in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body desires to pay tribute to the diverse
cultures and immeasurable contributions of all Americans who trace their
heritage to the Caribbean; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize June 2010 as Caribbean-American Heritage Month in Brooklyn,
New York.