SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH IN MASSACHUSETTS

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By andrea@cmmus.com




Massachusetts/Jun.5.2020/CMM - The Authentic Caribbean Foundation (ACF) held its virtual launch of “National Caribbean American Heritage Month - Massachusetts” on June 1, 2020 at 6pm in association with The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS). There was strong representation from the state’s elected officials, led by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (House of Representative Massachusetts’s 7th Congressional District); Mike Vazquez (Representative of Governor Charley Baker, Massachusetts Governor’s Office); Robert F. Sullivan  (Mayor, City of Brockton); Kim Janey (Boston City Council); Julia Mejia (Boston City Council); Michelle Wu (Boston City Council); Quinton Zandorvan (Cambridge City Council); Ken Clifton (Town Council, Randolph); Gerlin Adrien (Everett City Council) and Natacha Clergy, (Town Council, Randolph).

Moderators for the evening were Lisa Harper and Co-host Donna Frett. Ms. Frett highlighted the Presidential Proclamation for Caribbean American Heritage Month and encouraged everyone to view it on the organization’s website, www.authenticcarribbeanfoundation.org .

Since 2006, June has been designated as National Caribbean American Heritage Month by Presidential Proclamation in recognition of the extraordinary contribution of Caribbean- Americans to the American society.

In his opening remarks Andrew Sharpe emphasized the importance of the day and its significance in highlighting Caribbean Culture. In doing so, he quoted the late Rex Nettleford (former Vice-Chancellor Emeritus, University of the W.I.) in saying, “Caribbean Culture is too diverse to label” that “Creative diversity defines Caribbean life” and that “they have in common a full grasp of the power of culture, according to its inhabitants a sense of place and purpose. ”

 Dr. Claire Nelson, (President, Institute of Caribbean Studies, Washington DC) and one of the founders in achieving the designation of June as National Caribbean Heritage Month spoke on the new approach in working together against the background of Covid-19 Pandemic. “The opportunity in crisis,” she said “lies in the future we want to procreate and how we want our stories will be told.” She commended the ACF for bringing together all the council divisions in the state to mark the occasion.

Mike Vasquez who represented Governor, Charley Baker expressed his solidarity with the black community adding “the greatest fear is that nothing changes and we mustn’t allow that; we mustn’t be silent. We must demand action and we must demand justice.”

A beautiful steel pan rendition of “Redemption Song” (Bob Marley) was delivered by Becky Bates.  

For a full calendar of Caribbean American Month activities visit: www.celebratejune.org


For more information, contact: foundation@authenticcaribbeanfoundation.org or 857-271-6006.

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