In June the U.S. celebrates National Caribbean-American Heritage Month to recognize the contributions of Caribbean-Americans to American history and culture.

History

Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier to name a few are Caribbean-Americans we look to and honor for their pioneering work in their respective fields.

Since 1999 the Institute of Caribbean Studies has been organizing various events to celebrate the heritage of the region along with other organizations, cities and individuals from the Caribbean. President George W. Bush created the first proclamation for National Caribbean-American Heritage Month on June 5, 2006. Each year subsequently, a sitting U.S. President has signed a proclamation recognizing the month every June.

To this day, the United States maintains a trade relationship with the Caribbean. You can find many of the favorite food products and other goods imported into the country at Island Flavors and Tings.

What Can You Do To Celebrate?

Learn the history of forced and willing migration from the Caribbean to the United States by visiting museums, friends and family members from the islands and learn about their experiences and culture.

Order any of our food, drinks, groceries or heritage items this month and share on social media. Your support means a lot to us.

Use #CaribbeanAmericanHeritageMonth and #islandflavorsandtings to share on social media.

Finally, join us as we celebrate together on Saturday, June 26th at the Island Flavors and Tings Gulfport, FL restaurant or our booth at the St. Pete Pier Marketplace in Downtown St. Petersburg, FL.