National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2016

Proclamation 9458 of May 31, 2016

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The dynamism and diversity of Caribbean Americans have
contributed to our Nation's story in extraordinary
ways. Millions of people in the United States are
connected to our Caribbean neighbors through ties of
commerce and family--a relationship reinforced by the
values and history we hold in common. During National
Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the
contributions of our Caribbean-American brothers and
sisters, and we reflect on how they have bolstered our
country and enriched our traditions.

The bonds between the United States and the Caribbean
remain strong. Both rooted in similar legacies--of
trial and triumph, oppression and liberation--our
narratives have advanced on a similar path of progress,
driven forward by our shared dedication to fostering
opportunity and forging a brighter future. Caribbean
Americans excel in our universities, inspire us as
athletes and musicians, guide us as community and
government leaders, and keep us safe through dedicated
service in our Armed Forces.

The United States is committed to working with the
nations of the Caribbean to advance security, liberty,
and prosperity. That is why we have begun a new chapter
in our relationship with Cuba--extending a new hand of
friendship to the Cuban people that offers fresh hope
for both our futures and will improve the lives of
those living in both our countries. My Administration
also introduced the 100,000 Strong in the Americas
initiative to provide higher education exchanges to
students across the Western Hemisphere, and we launched
the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative to address
persistent opportunity gaps in the Americas and to give
emerging entrepreneurs and civil society leaders the
resources they need to reach their full potential. In
harnessing the spirit and boldness of young people in
the Caribbean and throughout the Americas, and in
channeling their creativity and innovation, we can
continue to build on the progress we have made. And by
carrying out Jamaican-American poet Claude McKay's call
to ``strive on to gain the height although it may not
be in sight,'' we can enable more young people, here at
home and throughout the Caribbean, to reach for the
change that is within their grasp.

The legacy of Caribbean Americans is one of tenacity
and drive; it reminds us that in America, with faith
and determination, anything is possible. This month,
let us honor the resilient heritage and rich history of
Caribbean Americans, and let us reflect upon the
diversity of experiences that unites us as a people.

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 2016 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
thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.