Speech #1090048401

Con. Res. 71. which expresses the sense of Congress that June should be designated as National CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month. This concurrent resolution. introduced by the gentlewoman from California . recognizes that emigration from the Caribbean region to the American colonies began as early as 1619 with the arrival of indentured workers in Jamestown. Virginia. During the 17th. 18th. and 19th centuries. a significant number of slaves from the Caribbean region were brought to the United States. This concurrent resolution also recognizes that millions of people have emigrated from the Caribbean region to the United States since 1820 and points out that Alexander Hamilton. a Founding Father of the United States. was born in the Caribbean. Other influential CaribbeanAmericans include Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. the pioneer settler of Chicago. Celia Cruz. the world renowned queen of Salsa music.