On Wednesday, June 2, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham, members of the Caribbean American Heritage Committee and elected officials held a press conference to launch Caribbean American Heritage Month 2010 in Brooklyn and announce details of Caribbean American Heritage Month festivities at Borough Hall on June 30. Full list of Brooklyn events is attached.

"From Bushwick to Crown Heights, East Flatbush to Williamsburg, Canarsie to Sunset Park, every square inch of our borough has been enriched by the contributions of our Caribbean American communities," said BP Markowitz. "Without vibrant Caribbean color, rhythms, dance, poetry, art and—let’s not forget—food, Brooklyn simply wouldn’t be Brooklyn!"

The month-long observance will also pay special tribute to the people of Haiti and their strength and determination to rebuild following the devastating earthquake this past January.
“As part of this month’s cultural celebration, we will also include a symposium to discuss issues such as emergency response and post-crises preparedness, migration, the flow of remittance and funding, and ways to promote stability and strengthen capacities in the region,” said Deputy Borough President Graham. "Along with the substantive programming we have planned, it is our hope that communities all across New York City will join us to celebrate the invaluable contributions that Caribbean Americans have made to America."

Home to the renowned West Indian American Day Carnival and Parade and our nation’s largest Caribbean population, Brooklyn is known as the "Caribbean Capital of the USA."