Ignoring Caribbean American Heritage Month Is a Missed Opportunity for National Unity

By CAW Editorial Board

June marks Caribbean American Heritage Month (CAHM)—or at least it should.

For two decades, this month has served as a time to celebrate the rich culture, resilience, and enduring contributions of Caribbean Americans across the United States. From the halls of Congress to the classrooms of Brooklyn, from hospital wards to Wall Street, Caribbean Americans have helped shape the heart and soul of this country.

And yet, in June 2025, during what should have been a milestone 20th anniversary for CAHM, the White House has failed to issue a presidential proclamation. It is the first time in 20 years that this annual federal observance has gone unrecognized at the highest level of government.

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This omission is more than symbolic—it’s deeply personal for millions of Caribbean Americans, especially in places like New York, which is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Caribbean populations in the country.

While proclamations were issued on May 16th for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month, the silence surrounding CAHM speaks volumes. In a time when representation and inclusion are supposed to matter, the absence of formal recognition is both painful and puzzling.

For Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the first Haitian-American woman elected in New York City, the oversight cuts especially deep. In a statement this month, she shared:

“As we commemorate Caribbean-American Heritage Month, I am proud to honor the extraordinary legacy, culture, and contributions of Caribbean-Americans across the United States—especially right here in New York, where our vibrant Caribbean communities have helped shape the very identity of our city.

Caribbean-Americans have long been pillars of strength and resilience across the globe: From educators and healthcare workers to entrepreneurs and civil rights leaders, they have enriched our society in countless ways, often in the face of adversity.

This month holds special meaning for me. It is a time to celebrate our heritage with pride, reflect on the journeys of those who came before us, and uplift the voices of the next generation.

Let us continue to honor the spirit of Caribbean-American Heritage Month by advocating for equity, representation, and justice.”

From Shirley Chisholm, the daughter of Barbadian and Guyanese immigrants who became the first Black woman in Congress, to Colin Powell, born to Jamaican parents and the first Black Secretary of State, Caribbean Americans have continually proven their patriotism, innovation, and leadership.

The legacy of Caribbean Americans deserves more than parades and festivals—it deserves recognition at the highest level of American government. In Brooklyn, the Caribbean heartbeat of New York, we see daily how these communities enrich the social, economic, and cultural fabric of the city. Their stories are America’s stories.

To ignore Caribbean American Heritage Month in a landmark year is to send the wrong message at the wrong time. Recognition isn’t just about pride—it’s about validation, dignity, and belonging.

If the White House won’t recognize the Caribbean American community this year, let the rest of us raise our voices louder. Let New York and cities across the country remind the nation of the invaluable role the Caribbean diaspora has played—and will continue to play—in the American story.

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