TAMPA – In 2006, President George W. Bush declared June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Six years later, the Caribbean Community Association (CCA) is still honoring the spirit of this month in June and all year long through various programs and services. The CCA promotes Caribbean culture and builds coalitions with all Caribbean natives living in the Tampa Bay community, their Caribbean-American descendents and the greater community at large. This local Caribbean-American organization provides programs in Tampa Bay and outreach programs and services in Caribbean countries.
The CCA offers multiple programs to help Caribbean-Americans located in the Tampa Bay area and those still in the Caribbean. Pasco County teacher Evie Larmond started Project READ to advance literacy efforts in Jamaica. Despite being hundreds of miles away, teachers have access to workshops and information that address reading abilities, developing early readers and helping those who are struggling.
Another successful CCA program is the Math Tutorial Project. With sponsorships from JPMorgan & Chase, the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and the University of South Florida, the organization has helped local students with their math skills. In addition to providing individualized instruction in all areas of math, tutors have prepared students for standardized tests such as the FCAT, SAT and ACT.
However, the CCA hasn’t stopped at helping local Caribbean-Americans at academics. The Health Outreach program provides health education and services to local children as well as those in the Caribbean islands. Services include education in disease prevention and wellness, screenings for early detection of diseases and vaccinations to prevent childhood diseases. These services are provided by a team of practicing and retired nurses and doctors who travel to remote regions of the Caribbean and offer their services.
Founded in 1991 by a group of dedicated Caribbean immigrants, the CCA works to bring widespread awareness and preservation of the culture and character native to the Caribbean islands.
“Part of being a strong community is knowing where your roots are from. Using our resources to help the local community as well as the Caribbean islands not only helps us grow as individuals, but also strengthens our community,” says Khaleelah Abdul-Kareem, public relations officer with CCA.
