RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JUNE 4, 2026
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing June as Caribbean American Heritage Month
Body
WHEREAS, on February 14, 2006, the United States Congress (Congress) passed a resolution recommending that June be designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month. In it, Congress recognized the abundant contributions to American culture, history, education, literature, government, and the economy by persons of Caribbean descent, recounted historical events of monumental significance, and drew parallels between the American path to independence and that of the Caribbean nations; and
WHEREAS, following Congress’ lead, on June 5, 2006, President George W. Bush issued the first proclamation regarding the recognition of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month. In the proclamation, President Bush acknowledged the friendship between the United States and the Caribbean countries, and encouraging all Americans to learn more about and celebrate the rich Caribbean heritage; and
WHEREAS, the current estimated population of people in the United States who were born in or have Caribbean ancestry is just over thirteen million people, and many influential Caribbean Americans have contributed to the United States, including Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury; Sir Sidney Poitier, the first Black actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor; Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President; five-time Grammy Award winning musician Gloria Estefan; and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago expresses gratitude for the abundant contributions of Caribbean Americans that have enriched the lives of all Americans; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize June as Caribbean American Heritage Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: June 4, 2026