President Barack Obama has proclaimed June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, stating that the U.S. is expanding cooperation with its Caribbean partners in promoting social justice and prosperity throughout the Americas.
Obama said during National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, the U.S. will honor Caribbean Americans’ history, culture and their “essential role in the American narrative.”
He said the U.S. is seeking to “create new educational opportunities for young people across the Caribbean basin, as well as for Caribbean Americans in our own communities.”
“We are also working to advance commonsense immigration reform that will allow future generations of Caribbean Americans to share their talents with our nation,” he said in a White House proclamation.
“Caribbean Americans are part of a great national tradition, descendants of hopeful, striving people who journeyed to our lands in search of a better life,” he added, stating they were, “drawn by a belief in the power of opportunity, a belief that, through hard work and sacrifice, they could provide their children with chances they had never known.”
“Thanks to these opportunities and their talent and perseverance, Caribbean Americans have contributed to every aspect of our society – from science and medicine to business and the arts,” Obama continued.
“As America celebrates our Caribbean heritage, let us hold fast to the spirit that makes our country a beacon to the world,” the U.S. president said. “This month, let us remember that we are always at our best when we focus not on what we can tear down, but on what we can build up.”
“I encourage all Americans to celebrate the history and culture of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities,” he urged.
Source: caribbean360.com
