By: Elaine Grant-Bryan
ATLANTA – Congresswoman Barbara Lee – Words of Wisdom from a leader who made the Caribbean -American Heritage Month a reality. Her achievements are great examples of my “What, What, What Approach – what you do with what you have determines what you become™”
June is Caribbean American Heritage Month. The Proclamation was signed through the hard work and diligence of Dr. Claire Nelson of the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington, D.C. and the sponsorship of U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee and was later passed in the U.S. Congress.
Commendations
It is commendable to see Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Dr. Claire Nelson who contribute significantly to keeping the Caribbean-American dream alive in the United States. Hopefully, this solidarity among the Caribbean groups will translate into economic progress throughout the region. Congresswoman Barbara Lee deserves credit for the sponsorship and passing of this Caribbean American Heritage Bill.
Question: What is your message to the Caribbean People regarding Caribbean Heritage Month?
Congresswoman Barbara Lee: “Caribbean American Heritage Month reminds us of the large and diverse constituencies of Caribbean Americans in our nation, and provides us with an opportunity to celebrate and share in the rich culture of the Caribbean American community through showcases of Caribbean art, festivals, concerts, and film. In my own district of Oakland, California, individuals and organizations celebrate the rich heritage of people of Caribbean descent through musical concerts and family picnics.
“In addition to presenting us with an occasion to celebrate the legacy of Caribbean Americans, this month also provides us an opportunity to strengthen our long-term partnership with nations of the Caribbean community. From trade, energy, and immigration to disaster preparedness and the challenging issues around HIV/AIDS, we have critical challenges we must face with our Caribbean neighbors. These challenges are regional in nature, so we must confront them together and in partnership.”
Elaine Bryan and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke sends her message below to all Caribbean-American People and Jamaicans everywhere:
“As a Brooklyn native whose roots are firmly planted in my Caribbean heritage, I take great pride in celebrating Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This month we celebrate and recognize the many contributions Caribbean-Americans have made to this country. This would include people like, iconic actress Cicely Tyson, Former Secretary of State, General Colin L. Powell, legendary singer, actor and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte and the Honorable Shirley Chisholm.
“Caribbean-American Heritage Month is also a time to strengthen U.S. relations with the many Caribbean nations that we consider allies and neighbors. For this reason, I encourage all of us to continue to support our Haitian brothers and sisters as they work to recover from the aftermath of the January 2010 earthquake.
“Last month I joined U.S. Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ) and U.S. Rep. Fredericka Wilson (D-FL) in sending a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in addressing the dire conditions that surround many of the Internal Displace Persons (IDP) camps, particularly the rise of gender based violence that occurs due to a lack of a structured security plan. I also joined my colleagues in expressing outrage in response to reports of IDP camps being destroyed in an attempt to relocate people. As a representative of the second largest population of first and second generation Haitian immigrants, I understand the importance of ensuring that our nation and our global community fulfils its commitment to help Haiti fully recover.
“This month of June, I encourage all of us to reflect on our shared experiences, interwoven cultures, and the influence and contributions Caribbean-Americans have made in our society.”
See then added, “One love.”
My Financial tip:
Keep the Caribbean-American dreams alive in the United States through collaboration. Hopefully, solidarity among the Caribbean groups will translate into economic progress throughout the region.
Elaine Grant-Bryan is a Financial Columnist, Empowerment Speaker, 2011 Georgia Counselor of the Year, Leadership Sandy Springs Alumni Council Member, recipient of the Atlanta Mayor’s Phoenix Award and Governor’s Commendation for her contributions to Educational & Civic Leadership. Visit www.elainebryan.com
