Caribbean American Heritage Month

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Caribbean American Heritage Month

CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

WHEREAS, since 2006, National Caribbean American Heritage Month is observed every June in the United States to honor the rich history, vibrant culture, and many accomplishments of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes the contributions of Caribbean Americans and their significance in the history and culture of the United States, including in the areas of government, arts, sports, literature, science, and community leadership; and

WHEREAS, a significant number of enslaved people of African descent were trafficked from the Caribbean to the United States during the atrocity of American chattel slavery; and

WHEREAS, generations of Caribbean Americans have fought for equity and equality despite discrimination and hardship-playing active roles in the civil rights movement and other social and political movements; and

WHEREAS, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, thousands of people with Caribbean heritage call Virginia home; and

WHEREAS, Caribbean Americans are vital to Virginia's communities and economy, and continue to make important contributions to social and political issues facing our Commonwealth and the nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize June 2026, as CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.