| Sponsor | Rep. Lee, Barbara |
| Committee | Oversight and Government Reform |
| Date | June 23, 2009 (111th Congress, 1st Session) |
| Staff Contact | Ja'Ron Smith |
H.Con.Res. 127 is being considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds vote for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) on May 14, 2009.
H.Con.Res. 127 would resolve that Congress:
- "Supports the goals and ideals of Caribbean-American Heritage Month;
- "Encourages the people of the United States to observe Caribbean-American Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, and activities; and
- "Affirms that-
- "The contributions of Caribbean-Americans are a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States; and
- "The ethnic and racial diversity of the United States enriches and strengthens the Nation."
According to the resolution's findings, since 1820, millions of people have emigrated from the Caribbean region to the United States. Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury, was born in the Caribbean, and many influential Caribbean-Americans have contributed to the rich history of the United States, including Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable, the pioneer settler of Chicago; Claude McKay, a poet of the Harlem Renaissance; James Weldon Johnson, the writer of the Black National Anthem; Celia Cruz, the world-renowned queen of Salsa music; and Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American Congresswoman and first African-American woman candidate for President. In June 2008, President George W. Bush issued a proclamation declaring June National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.