June 1-30

Caribbean-American Heritage Month

Celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month with us - explore our culture, traditions, music, and cuisine!

Yearly Date

June 1

Observed in

Introduction

It's time to celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month on June 1! This month is dedicated to honoring the many contributions that Caribbean-Americans have made and continue to make, not only in the United States, but around the world. From music and art to politics and education, this vibrant culture has left an indelible mark on American society. The month of June is a perfect opportunity for us to learn more about the history and traditions of Caribbean-Americans, as well as show our support for their ongoing accomplishments. Join us in celebrating this rich heritage!

Caribbean-American Heritage Month Timeline

1791

Haitian Revolution Begins

The Haitian Revolution, a successful insurrection by self-liberated slaves against French colonial rule in Saint-Domingue, sparked a wave of new ideas across the Caribbean and the world.

1804

Haiti's Independence

Haiti declared its independence, becoming the first black republic and the second independent nation in the Western Hemisphere after the United States.

1945

Caribbean Migration to U.S.

Significant Caribbean migration to the United States began, significantly influencing American culture, particularly in areas such as music, food, and language.

1965

Immigration Act of 1965

This Act abolished the national-origin quotas that had been in place in the United States since 1924, leading to an increase in Caribbean immigration due to the lifting of these restrictions.

2006

First Caribbean-American Heritage Month

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States.

How to Celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month

1 Attend a Caribbean-American festival

Find and attend a Caribbean-American festival in your local area to experience the culture and heritage. Enjoy music, food, and art unique to Caribbean-Americans.

2 Read Caribbean-American literature

Check out books by Caribbean-American authors such as Edwidge Danticat, Junot Díaz, Jamaica Kincaid, and Zadie Smith. Get lost in their stories and gain insight into the experiences of Caribbean-Americans.

3 Watch Caribbean-American films

Watch films that feature Caribbean-American characters to gain insight into their experiences. Movies like "Moonlight", "Fences", and "The Hate U Give" are great places to start.

4 Explore Caribbean-American art

Visit a museum or gallery near you to explore art made by Caribbean-Americans. Alternatively, look online for unique pieces created by Caribbean-Americans.

5 Cook Caribbean-American food

Experiment with cooking traditional dishes from the Caribbean. Look up recipes online or buy a cookbook specifically featuring recipes from the Caribbean.

Why Caribbean-American Heritage Month is Important

Celebrates the contributions of Caribbean Americans

Caribbean American Heritage Month is an important time to celebrate, recognize and honor the diverse culture, customs, traditions and history of Caribbean Americans. It is a time to highlight and recognize their many achievements, contributions and impacts on society, not only here in the United States but all over the world.

Provides a platform to learn about Caribbean culture

It's also a chance to educate yourself about Caribbean American history and culture. There are so many amazing writers, musicians, activists and community leaders who come from the Caribbean region whose voices sometimes go unheard. By celebrating this month we can help amplify their stories.

Raises awareness for issues impacting the Caribbean community

We must also use this month as an opportunity to raise awareness for issues that affect the Caribbean community such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare and education, food insecurity, climate change and many more. This is our chance to stand in solidarity with those who may not have the same resources or voice that others do.