National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2011

Proclamation 8686 of May 31, 2011

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The fabric of our Nation has been woven together and
enriched by the diversity of our people. Our legacy as
a Nation of immigrants is part of what makes America
strong, and during National Caribbean-American Heritage
Month, we celebrate the rich history and vibrant
culture Caribbean Americans have brought to our shores.

Immigrants from Caribbean countries have come to
America for centuries. Some came through the bondage of
slavery. Others willfully left behind the world they
knew in search of a better life. Regardless of the
circumstances of their arrival, they had faith their
descendants would have a chance to realize their
greatest potential.

Caribbean Americans have prospered in every sector of
our society and enhanced our national character while
maintaining the multiethnic and multicultural
traditions of their homelands. They are doctors and
lawyers, public servants and scientists, and athletes
and service members. Their successes inspire
individuals in the United States and abroad, and we
take pride in the contributions Caribbean Americans
continue to make to the narrative of our Nation's
progress. Their achievements are borne of hard work and
ambition, and my Administration is committed to
creating pathways to prosperity that ensure future
generations of Caribbean Americans, along with all
Americans, are able to pursue and realize the American
dream.

This month, we also recognize the important friendship
between the United States and the countries of the
Caribbean as we expand our partnership to promote
economic development, democratic governance, citizen
security, and improved health and education in the
region. Additionally, as Haiti continues to recover
from last year's devastating earthquake, we remain
committed to standing beside the people of Haiti as
they rebuild their proud nation, and to working with
others in the region to bring lasting prosperity and
stability to the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim June 2011 as National
Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I urge all Americans
to commemorate this time when we celebrate the history
and culture of Caribbean Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.