RECOGNIZING JUNE AS “CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Hansen & Sen. Hoffner & Sen. Lockman & Rep. Ortega & Rep. Wilson-Anton

Sens. Mantzavinos, Sokola, Townsend; Reps. Bush, Collins, Dukes, K. Johnson, Morrison, Phillips, Ross Levin

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 96

RECOGNIZING JUNE AS “CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, the vision of the National Caribbean American Heritage Month movement is an America where all the contributions of the diverse immigrants that have come to these shores are celebrated and the American dream of a melting pot society that honors and promotes inclusive prosperity is realized as we all pursue the unfolding of a more perfect union; and

WHEREAS, the mission of National Caribbean American Heritage Month is to promote the rich culture and heritage of the Caribbean American people and their contribution to the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware General Assembly acknowledges the significant ways Caribbean Americans have shaped our culture and heritage. Americans with roots in the Caribbean have greatly enriched our society, contributing to the arts, business, journalism, technology, government, religion, the military, sports, and many other fields; and

WHEREAS, throughout our country’s history, Caribbean Americans have played a pivotal role in shaping the American experience, from building the infrastructure of our neighborhoods, our economy, our classrooms, our operating rooms, our board rooms, to influencing and shaping all facets of our arts, our music, our fashion, and our cultural identity; and

WHEREAS, Bob Marley, who is of Jamaican descent, lived in Delaware from 1965 to 1977. He used his musical prowess to combat injustices worldwide and a festival, named for him, is held annually to commemorate his time in Delaware; and

WHEREAS, Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress, was a first-generation American of Barbadian and Guyanese descent; and

WHEREAS, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, The Honorable Marcus Garvey, W.E.B. Du Bois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte, and Sidney Poitier all hail from the Caribbean; and

WHEREAS, one of the most influential Caribbean Americans of the United States includes Kamala Harris, the first Black Vice President, who is of Jamaican descent.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152

nd

General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the Senate concurring therein, that the State of Delaware recognizes the month of June as “Caribbean American Heritage Month”.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution recognizes the month of June as "Caribbean American Heritage Month" in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator Hansen