United States President Donald J. Trump last week proclaimed June National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, saying that during the month, the U.S. will honor America’s “long-shared history with our neighbors in the Caribbean and celebrate the Caribbean Americans who have enriched our nation.”
“Caribbean Americans embody the American spirit, with their talents and hard work contributing greatly to America’s economy,” said Trump in the White House proclamation. “They protect our citizens as law enforcement officers, serve our communities as public officials, and mentor our country’s young people as educators.
“Through their tremendous athleticism and determination, they have brought pride to the hearts of the American people as members of numerous US Olympic teams,” he added. “Their leadership and resolve have made incredible contributions to our society.”
As trailblazers, Trump said Americans with Caribbean roots have “sewn their own unique thread into the fabric of our nation.”
He noted that Dr. William Thornton, a native of the British Virgin Islands, designed the United States Capitol and is generally considered the first “Architect of the Capitol.”
Trump also noted that Jean Baptiste du Sable, the first permanent resident of Chicago, was born in Haiti.
Widely recognized as the “Founder of Chicago,” the U.S. president said du Sable’s “prosperous trade settlement has become one of the most iconic cities in the world.”
“This month, we acknowledge the numerous contributions of Caribbean-Americans to our nation, including those of the more than 4 million Caribbean-Americans who live in the United States today,” Trump said. “We are also deeply grateful to the many Caribbean-Americans who have served or are currently serving our country as members of our Armed Forces.
“Now, therefore, I, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2018 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month,” he proclaimed, urging all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Caribbean Americans “with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
