[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 98 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H6593-H6594]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NATIONAL CARIBBEAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE
MONTH
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 148) recognizing the
significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:
H. Con. Res. 148
Whereas people of Caribbean heritage are found in every
State of the Union;
Whereas emigration from the Caribbean region to the
American Colonies began as early as 1619 with the arrival of
indentured workers in Jamestown, Virginia;
Whereas during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a
significant number of slaves from the Caribbean region were
brought to the United States;
Whereas since 1820, millions of people have emigrated from
the Caribbean region to the United States;
Whereas much like the United States, the countries of the
Caribbean faced obstacles of slavery and colonialism and
struggled for independence;
Whereas also like the United States, the people of the
Caribbean region have diverse racial, cultural, and religious
backgrounds;
Whereas the independence movements in many countries in the
Caribbean region during the 1960s and the consequential
establishment of independent democratic countries in the
Caribbean strengthened ties between the region and the United
States;
Whereas Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United
States and the first Secretary of the Treasury, was born in
the Caribbean;
Whereas there have been many influential Caribbean-
Americans in the history of the United States, including Jean
Baptiste Point du Sable, the pioneer settler of Chicago;
Claude McKay, a poet of the Harlem Renaissance; James Weldon
Johnson, the writer of the Black National Anthem; Shirley
Chisolm, the first African-American Congresswoman and first
African-American woman candidate for President; and Celia
Cruz, the world-renowned queen of Salsa music;
Whereas the many influential Caribbean-Americans in the
history of the United States also include Colin Powell, the
first African-American Secretary of State; Sidney Poitier,
the first African-American actor to receive the Academy Award
for best actor in a leading role; Harry Belafonte, a
musician, actor, and activist; Marion Jones, an Olympic gold
medalist; Roberto Clemente, the first Latino inducted into
the baseball hall of fame; and Al Roker, a meteorologist and
television personality;
Whereas Caribbean-Americans have played an active role in
the civil rights movement and other social and political
movements in the United States;
Whereas Caribbean-Americans have contributed greatly to
education, fine arts, business, literature, journalism,
sports, fashion, politics, government, the military, music,
science, technology, and other areas in the United States;
Whereas Caribbean-Americans share their culture through
carnivals, festivals, music, dance, film, and literature that
enrich the cultural landscape of the United States;
Whereas the countries of the Caribbean are important
economic partners of the United States;
Whereas the countries of the Caribbean represent the United
States third border;
Whereas the people of the Caribbean region share the hopes
and aspirations of the people of the United States for peace
and prosperity throughout the Western Hemisphere and the rest
of the world;
Whereas in June 2006, President George W. Bush issued a
proclamation declaring June National Caribbean-American
Heritage Month after the passage of H. Con. Res 71 in the
109th Congress by both the Senate and the House of
Representatives; and
Whereas June is an appropriate month to establish a
Caribbean-American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress--
(1) supports the goals and ideals of Caribbean-American
Heritage Month;
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe
Caribbean-American Heritage Month with appropriate
ceremonies, celebrations, and activities; and
(3) affirms that--
(A) the contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a
significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of
the United States; and
(B) the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States
enriches and strengthens the Nation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Davis) and the gentleman from Idaho (Mr. Sali) each will
control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois.
General Leave
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, I am pleased to
[[Page H6594]]
join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Con. Res. 148, a bill
that recognizes the significance of National Caribbean-American
Heritage Month.
H. Res. 148, which has 53 cosponsors, was introduced by
Representative Barbara Lee of California on May 14, 2007. H. Con. Res.
148 was reported from the Oversight Committee on June 12, 2007, by a
voice vote.
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month was established to
recognize the historical relationship between people of the Caribbean
and the United States of America. Caribbean Americans present a rich
diversity of countries, cultures and colloquialisms which are dispersed
throughout communities in the United States. Caribbean immigration to
the United States reached its peak in the last 5 years, with
approximately 6 percent of the more than 7 million immigrants coming
from the Caribbean.
Since the founding of the United States, Caribbeans have had a
significant role in shaping the conscience of America and are among our
great leaders, entrepreneurs and entertainers, including such
individuals as Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Colin Powell, James
Weldon Johnson, Shirley Chisholm, Marion Jones, Juan Carlos Finlay,
Oscar de la Renta, Malcolm X, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the founder
of Chicago, Marcus Garvey, and many others.
Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague for introducing this legislation
and I urge its passage.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SALI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, each year in June, we celebrate our strong relationship
with the Caribbean nations and appreciate the value and diversity they
bring to the United States. We value National Caribbean-American
Heritage Month and encourage people from across the country to join
with those of Caribbean-American roots in these celebrations. From as
far back as the 17th century, citizens from the Caribbean have
immigrated to the U.S. Many were slaves, who faced the same obstacles
struggling for equality and independence.
We are a Nation of immigrants, and this bill emphasizes the many
contributions of Caribbean immigrants to our society. Over 5 million
Americans proudly share the Caribbean heritage in promoting and
attending Caribbean-style festivals around the country. These festivals
appreciate the rich culture, history and diversity brought forth
through the joining of these two nations.
I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting passage of House
Concurrent Resolution 148.
Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 148.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________