Res 0199-2022

Whereas, The Caribbean is home to nearly 44 million people as of May 2022, according to Worldometer and based on United Nations estimates; and Whereas, According to data from the American Community Survey from 2015-2019, over 861,000 New York City residents were Caribbean-born, including many from the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago; and Whereas, According to the Institute for Caribbean Studies (ICS), Caribbean immigrants have been contributing to the well-being of American society since its founding; and Whereas, Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the Treasury, was from the Caribbean Island of Nevis; and Whereas, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, and W.E.B Dubois are a representation of famous Americans with Caribbean ancestry who made lasting impacts on the country; and Whereas, In 1999, ICS began its efforts to create a Caribbean American Heritage Month by sharing a petition with President Bill Clinton; and Whereas, In 2000, ICS began leading activities in celebration of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington, DC; and Whereas, The official campaign for a National Caribbean American Heritage Month began in 2004 when a legislative bill was tabled in Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee; and Whereas, The bill was reintroduced and passed the House in June 2005 and the Senate in February 2006, and a Proclamation making the resolution official was signed by President George W. Bush on June 5, 2006; and Whereas, According to Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Caribbean Heritage Month is crucial because Caribbean Americans bring tremendous pride, love, and dedication to this nation, and their hard work uplifts our nation and brings communities together; and Whereas, New York City, which is home to numerous Caribbean American communities, should follow the federal government's example and officially recognize June as Caribbean Heritage Month; and Whereas, As reported by AM New York, the multiplicity of the Caribbean community, comprised of nearly 30 countries and with half a dozen commonly spoken languages, is a vibrant example of what makes New York City distinct; and Whereas, According to Shelley Worrell, founder of Caribbeing, an organization that highlights and celebrates Caribbean culture in the city, "New York is the Caribbean capital of the world[, and it's] the largest and most diverse Caribbean community outside of the Caribbean itself"; and Whereas, While Caribbean Heritage month would serve as a time to celebrate Caribbean communities, it could also be an opportunity for individuals to engage in educational activities to better understand and to reflect on the importance of Caribbean culture, individuals, and institutions; and Whereas, Caribbean New Yorkers must be recognized for their impact on the City, including their work during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately impacted immigrant, Black, and Latino/x communities, including Caribbean communities; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York declares June Caribbean Heritage Month. EB LS 8977 & 6031 05.10.2022