HM 319 Summary

• Urges the United States Congress to recognize June each year as "Caribbean Heritage Month" to celebrate the contributions of Caribbean Americans to the nation.

• Notes that Caribbean emigration to America began in 1619 and millions have immigrated since 1820, with Caribbean Americans serving as educators, authors, community leaders, musicians, and politicians across all sectors of society.

• Highlights notable Caribbean-descended Americans including W.E.B. Du Bois, Alexander Hamilton, Colin Powell, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, and Roberto Clemente.

• References the United States House of Representatives' unanimous adoption of a concurrent resolution in June 2005 recognizing Caribbean Heritage Month, followed by the Senate's unanimous passage on February 14, 2006, with annual White House proclamations issued since then.

• Requires copies of the memorial to be sent to the President, Senate President, House Speaker, and all members of the Florida delegation to Congress.