By NAN Staff WriterÂ
News Americas, MIAMI, FL, Fri. June 1, 2018: For the second year since taking office,the 45th US President has followed the path of both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama in declaring June National Caribbean-American Heritage.
In his 2018 proclamation, Donald Trump, whose anti-immigrant policies has impacted many Caribbean immigrants, especially Haitians, noted that “Caribbean Americans embody the American spirit, with their talents and hard work contributing greatly to America’s economy.”
He also said their leadership and resolve have made incredible contributions to our society and highlighted the contributions of Dr. William Thornton, a native of the British Virgin Islands who designed the United States Capitol and is generally considered the first “Architect of the Capitol; and Jean Baptiste du Sable, the first permanent resident of Chicago who was born in Haiti and is widely recognized as the “Founder of Chicago.”
Trump also expressed gratitude to the many Caribbean-Americans who have served or are currently serving our country as members of our Armed Forces.
While there is no specific Census category, it is estimated that Caribbean immigrants across the US are over 4 million while the number of those of Caribbean heritage is much more expansive. The 2020 Census will allow Caribbean nationals to write in their country of origin for the first time under the racial category, black.
The full 2018 White House proclamation follows:
During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we honor America’s long-shared history with our neighbors in the Caribbean and celebrate the Caribbean Americans who have enriched our Nation.
Caribbean Americans embody the American spirit, with their talents and hard work contributing greatly to America’s economy. They protect our citizens as law enforcement officers, serve our communities as public officials, and mentor our country’s young people as educators. Through their tremendous athleticism and determination, they have brought pride to the hearts of the American people as members of numerous U.S. Olympic teams. Their leadership and resolve have made incredible contributions to our society.
As trailblazers, Americans with Caribbean roots have sewn their own unique thread into the fabric of our Nation. Dr. William Thornton, a native of the British Virgin Islands, designed the United States Capitol and is generally considered the first “Architect of the Capitol”. Jean Baptiste du Sable, the first permanent resident of Chicago, was born in Haiti. Widely recognized as the “Founder of Chicago,” his prosperous trade settlement has become one of the most iconic cities in the world.
This month, we acknowledge the numerous contributions of Caribbean Americans to our Nation, including those of the more than 4 million Caribbean Americans who live in the United States today. We are also deeply grateful to the many Caribbean Americans who have served or are currently serving our country as members of our Armed Forces.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 2018 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements 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 eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
DONALD J. TRUMP
In 2017, his first year in office, Trump also issued a NCAHM proclamation as follows:
THE 2017 PROCLAMATION
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims June 2017 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month
Issued on: May 31, 2017
National Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a celebration of the accomplishments of Caribbean Americans and our long, shared history with the peoples of the Caribbean. We are grateful for the culture Caribbean Americans have shared with our Nation and the many contributions they have made to our society.
Throughout our history, Caribbean Americans have helped create and maintain the strength and independence of our Nation. Alexander Hamilton, who came from poverty in Nevis, was a key contributor to our Constitution and the first Secretary of the Treasury, helping to establish our modern financial system and to create the United States Coast Guard.
Every day, Caribbean Americans help make America more prosperous and secure. Our Nation is particularly grateful to the many Caribbean Americans who have served and are currently serving in our Armed Forces, protecting our Nation, and promoting freedom and peace around the world. Today, more than four million Caribbean Americans live in the United States and continue to contribute to a vibrant culture that enriches our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 2017 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements 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 seventeen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.
DONALD J. TRUMP
