Two Democratic Florida lawmaker want Congress to recognize June as a month to celebrate the culture and heritage of people across America who are from or associated with the Caribbean. It comes on the heels of bipartisan opposition about a similar Memorial celebrating Haitians.
Recently, a House Memorial to recognize May as “Haitian Heritage Month” passed its first committee. After encountering bipartisan concerns, it changed to “Haitian American Heritage Month.” Rep. Sharon Pritchett (D-Miami Gardens) says it’s meant to include Haitians across America and be in line with other nationally and locally recognized months with “American” in the title.
“Remember? Caribbean American [Heritage Month],” asked Pritchett, during a recent Local and Federal Affairs committee hearing. “And, we have a celebration all in South Florida and now, throughout the country relative to that. So, just for the sake of consistency and uniformity, add American.”
Now, Sen. Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando) and Rep. Daphne Campbell (D-Miami), have filed memorials urging Congress to recognize June as “Caribbean American Heritage Month,” and this time, the Memorial does include the word “American.”
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