National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2014

Proclamation 9137 of May 30, 2014

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Caribbean Americans are part of a great national
tradition, descendants of hopeful, striving people who
journeyed to our lands in search of a better life. They
were drawn by a belief in the power of opportunity, a
belief that through hard work and sacrifice, they could
provide their children with chances they had never
known. Thanks to these opportunities and their talent
and perseverance, Caribbean Americans have contributed
to every aspect of our society--from science and
medicine to business and the arts. During National
Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we honor their
history, culture, and essential role in the American
narrative.

It is also a time to renew our friendship with our
Caribbean neighbors, with whom we share both an ocean
and a history. To this end, the United States is
expanding cooperation with our Caribbean partners as we
promote social justice, grow prosperity throughout the
Americas, and create new educational opportunities for
young people across the Caribbean basin, as well as for
Caribbean Americans in our own communities. We are also
working to advance commonsense immigration reform that
will allow future generations of Caribbean Americans to
share their talents with our Nation.

As America celebrates our Caribbean heritage, let us
hold fast to the spirit that makes our country a beacon
to the world. This month, let us remember that we are
always at our best when we focus not on what we can
tear down, but on what we can build up. And together,
let us strengthen the bonds that hold together the most
diverse Nation on earth.

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 2014 as National
Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all
Americans to celebrate the history and culture of
Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.

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