National Caribbean American Heritage Month is an annual celebration of the achievements and contributions of Caribbean Americans during the month of June. The organization, The Institute of Caribbean Studies, as well as other grassroots organizations led by Caribbean Americans, had taken the initiative to ask the White House to recognize the heritage month. After years of organizing, in 2004, an official campaign was launched that piqued the interest of Congresswoman Barbara Lee. She initially introduced a Bill that would have recognized the heritage month, but it was unfortunately tabled. She and other organizations worked together to reintroduce the Bill, and it was passed in both the House and Senate by 2006. And thus, on June 5, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed that the month of June is recognized as National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Our culture and ways of life in America and within New Mexico are undoubtedly richly influenced by Caribbean Americans. As of 2016, approximately 13 million people live in the United States with Caribbean ancestry, from communities traced throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, and the indigenous peoples of the Americas. In the UNM HSC Office for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, we believe that Caribbean cultural enrichment within our country, and more locally, The University of New Mexico, should be celebrated and more recognized widely.

Learn more about Caribbean American Heritage Month at National Caribbean American Heritage Month – Celebrating Caribbean Contributions to American History, Life and Culture.