The month of June is one of many celebrations.

For students and teachers, it signifies the beginning of summer break. It’s Pride Month, in which the LGBTQIA community is honored.for their contributions to an upcoming event taking place next Tuesday in Prince William County. It is also the month when Juneteenth is commemorated, when the abolishment of slavery took place.

However, it is also when the accomplishments of the many Caribbean nations are celebrated. President Joe Biden released a statement yesterday honoring the special designation, as the U.S. House of Representatives adopted Caribbean Heritage Month in 2005. Below is an excerpt from the statement released by the White House:

“America’s strength has always been rooted in our diversity.  Since our Nation’s founding, generation after generation of immigrants have helped build this country, and the prosperity and opportunity that draw so many immigrants to America would not be possible without the contributions and legacies of Caribbean Americans.  Today, millions of Caribbean Americans strengthen our country through their vibrant cultures, traditions, languages, and values.  In recognition of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we honor the immeasurable ways Caribbean Americans have added to our American dream. 

This month, our Nation also celebrates the extraordinary leadership and achievements of Vice President Kamala Harris, the first Black American of Jamaican heritage to hold this high office.  I am also honored to celebrate alongside 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, public servants like our Nation’s 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, have made essential contributions to American society and blazed new trails in service to the American people.  Caribbean American entrepreneurs, scientists, medical professionals, teachers, artists, police officers, athletes, and contributors in every field have also left a lasting impact on our society.”

Visit the link to learn more about the contributions of the nation’s Caribbean heroes.