June is designated as Caribbean-American Heritage Month to honor the ways Caribbean-Americans have strengthened our country through their vibrant cultures, traditions, languages, and values.  This designation was the result of a two-year bicameral effort that began with the House of Representatives unanimously adopting Resolution 71 in June 2005, which then passed in the Senate in February 2006, and culminated with President George W. Bush issuing the Proclamation on June 6, 2006.

The American dream has always been rooted in diversity and our island neighbors to the east and south have certainly contributed to that dream.  Most statistics approximate over 13 ½ million Americans claim Caribbean heritage, 90% of which come from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.  The largest Caribbean communities can be found from the warm climates of the south (Florida, Georgia, and Texas) to the more temperate climates of the northeast (Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington D.C.).  California also has sizeable Caribbean-American communities.

Caribbean-American culture is a fusion of African, Creole, European, and Latin American influences.  This is the result of the history of Caribbean nations, which included European colonialization and involvement in the slave trade.  This cultural fusion is reflected in the food and music.  Caribbean food is typically prepared with various local meats/fish, rice, and tropical fruits and vegetables, and frequently involves bold flavors combining sweet and spicy (such as grilled pineapple salsa with jalapenos).  Caribbean music popular in the United States includes reggae, calypso, and salsa.

Caribbean-Americans excel in many professions and have made notable contributions in nearly all aspects of our society.  Some notable Caribbean-Americans are founding father, Alexander Hamilton (born on Nevis, raised on St. Croix); former Secretary of Defense, the late Colin Powell (Jamaican descent); Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor (Jamaican descent); musicians Lenny Kravitz (Bahamian descent), Jennifer Lopez (“J.Lo”) (Puerto Rican descent), and Gloria Estefan (Cuban); actor Sidney Poitier (Bahamas); bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo (Dominican descent); and, athletes, Pedro Martinez (Dominican Republic) and the late Roberto Clemente (Puerto Rican).

So, before the month of June ends, throw on some music by Pitbull (Cuban descent), try your hand at making jerk pork or conch fritters, enjoy a nice mojito (Cuban rum drink) or smoke an Arturo Fuente (Dominican cigar) in honor of the contributions and legacies of Caribbean-Americans over the years. 

James J. Walsh, Esq. is an associate in the firm’s Philadelphia office.