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The Story Behind the Month

History of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month

From a unanimous House vote in 2005 to 20 years of Presidential Proclamations — the story of how June became Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Congressional Record

How NCAHM Became Law

June is designated by the United States Congress as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month — a recognition of the lasting, irreplaceable contributions of Caribbean people to the United States since the nation's founding.

  • June 27, 2005
    The House of Representatives unanimously adopts H. Con. Res. 71, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States.
  • February 14, 2006
    The Senate adopts the resolution, completing a bipartisan, bicameral effort.
  • June 5, 2006
    President George W. Bush signs Proclamation 8026, officially establishing June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. The first annual presidential proclamation is issued.
  • 2006 – 2025
    Every sitting President issues an annual proclamation recognizing June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month — with one notable exception in 2025. The observance grows into a nationwide celebration of Caribbean culture, history and contributions.
  • June 2026 🎉
    The 20th Anniversary. Two decades of Congressional recognition. We celebrate the water people — 44 nations, one Caribbean family and millions of American stories.
44
Caribbean Nations recognized — the "Greater Caribbean"
13M+
Caribbean-Americans in the United States
20
Years of Congressional designation (2006 – 2026)
2005
Year Congress first passed H. Con. Res. 71 — unanimous House vote

What is the "Greater Caribbean"?

CACCE-GWAN recognizes a Greater Caribbean of 44 nations — every country that touches the Caribbean Sea culturally, historically, ideologically or physically. From Jamaica and Trinidad to Cuba, Haiti, and Curaçao; from Belize to Colombia and Venezuela. We are a water people and the sea unites us.

119th Congress — H.Res.547

The current Congress has introduced a resolution recognizing the significance of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. View H.Res.547 at congress.gov →

View All Proclamations → Notable Figures →
Presented By

About CACCE-GWAN

NCAHM 2026 is presented by CACCE-GWAN — the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Washington Area Network.

Our Mission

CACCE-GWAN represents Caribbean-American businesses, nonprofits and institutions across the greater Washington DC area, advancing the economic, civic and cultural interests of the Caribbean-American community.

NCAHM 2026 Tagline

VITAL · VISIBLE · VIABLE

Vital to American history. Visible in every community. Viable as a recognized, celebrated and economically powerful national community.