Film & Television Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and NBA Basketball Star Rick Fox to serve as National Spokespersons for Caribbean American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, DC – Film and Television Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and Rick Fox, Los Angeles Lakers basketball star have signed on as National Spokesperson for Caribbean American Heritage Month. The celebrities who have roots in the Caribbean, in Jamaica and the Bahamas respectively accepted the duties of spokespersons for Caribbean American Heritage Month to help bring more visibility to Caribbean Americans and the contributions they make.
Ms. Ralph, who brought the term “Jamerican” to popularity, is best known for her role as Moesha’s stepmother in the long lived television series Moesha. Miss Ralph remains a popular and much loved figure in her mother’s native home of Jamaica because of her long running love affair and active support of the island. As Producer of the “Jamerican” Film Festival, the actress brought a new offering to the island’s menu of entertainment events, which has earned her the admiration of nation’s political elite and placed her on the social circuit “A” list.
Rick Fox was selected by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 1991 NBA Draft. Early success in Boston helped Rick become a respected and sought after Free Agent. In 1997, Rick found himself headed to Los Angeles to play for the Lakers. The Lakers went on to win 3 championships and Rick made the jump into another area of interest, acting. His roles include Spike Lee’s “HE GOT GAME”, a role in Disney’s “HOLES to a role in Minie’s First Time” and a recurring character in the gritty, highly acclaimed HBO television series, “OZ”, among others.
In accepting the duties of National Spokesperson, Ms. Ralph stated, “ The idea of a month long celebration to commemorate Caribbean American heritage and the contributions of immigrants from places like Jamaica where my Mother came from is one with which I resonate and so serving as spokesperson is a privilege I accepted without any hesitation.”
As National Spokespersons, Ms. Ralph and Mr. Fox will make appearances at several events being hosted by the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) and its affiliates around the country. Among this will be the premiere events being hosted and organized by ICS in Washington DC.
These include the 8th Annual Legislative Forum and Reception on Capitol Hill to honor Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Senator Charles Schumer, the Bill Cc-sponsors and members of Congress for their leadership in this effort. The event is scheduled for June 20th. Ms. Ralph and Mr. Fox will also serve as Co-Hosts for the Inaugural Commemorative Black-Tie Dinner Gala to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 19th, in Washington, DC following a Special Briefing and Reception being organized by the White House.
Other appearances will include; “Hollywood Remembers the Caribbean” A reception in Los Angeles City Hall and the Congressional Appreciation Reception.
The Caribbean American Diaspora is estimated to be over 30 million where according to the 2003 US Census Caribbean’s are 10% of the foreign born population. Given this significant number and the current political/economic environment, and anti-immigrant climate, ICS efforts to establish a National Caribbean American Heritage Month which began in 1999, remain significant and critical in making visible the Caribbean American identity, developing the agenda and recognizing Caribbean Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape.
