NATIONAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
RESOURCE TOOLKIT FOR AMERICAN SPACES
This Resource Toolkit is designed for programming at American Spaces to create a greater awareness of the Caribbean American communities and the cultural diversity they bring to the United States.
RESOURCES
U.S. Department of the Interior Infographics on Caribbean American Heritage Month
Lesson plans for students from Florida International University.
A compilation of maps, historic treaties, laws, and other information about Caribbean countries
Teaching History with Hamilton Lesson plans and resources inspired by the musical Hamilton
JUNE IS NATIONAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
In the United States, June is National Caribbean American Heritage Month. From America’s earliest days, Caribbean Americans have contributed to the success, spirit, and character of our nation. For generations, they have enhanced and advanced many aspects of American society.
Notable Caribbean Americans are as follows:
- Alexander Hamilton – Considered one of the nation’s founding fathers and was the first Secretary of the Treasury
- Colin Powell – The first person of color appointed Secretary of State
- Shirley Chisholm – The first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress
- Sidney Poitier – The first African American actor to receive the Academy Award.
MORE RESOURCES
- National Archives – Contains articles and records
- U.S. Census Bureau – Statistics on Caribbean Americans by country
Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States is the first woman to hold the office of Vice President. Her parents immigrated to the U.S. Her mother is from India and her father from the Caribbean nation of Jamaica.
Hamilton: An American Musical
One of today’s most celebrated Caribbean Americans is Lin- Manuel Miranda, who wrote the smash hit musical Hamilton. Miranda, of Puerto Rican descent, tells the story of the Founding Fathers of America through the lens of Alexander Hamilton, who was born on the Caribbean Island of Nevis before immigrating to New York. In telling the story of the American Revolution, Miranda uses hip hop and a multiracial cast, including Miranda himself as Hamilton. Below are resources to create programs around Hamilton:
- ShareAmerica article on the musical
- Voice of America article on Alexander Hamilton with definitions and audio for English language learners
- Teaching History With Hamilton – This site has lesson plans and resources inspired by the musical Hamilton for varying ages and language abilities
FILM IN KANOPY
Kanopy films are accessible through eLibraryUSA and can be screened at AmericanSpaces through our agreement with eLibraryUSA. American Spaces can also screen these films online in closed platforms.
My Brooklyn (77 minutes) – Directed by Kelly Anderson, this documentary focuses on how Fulton Mall, a bustling commercial site for African and Caribbean Americans, has changed over time. It focuses on the impact that large corporations have by replacing the small businesses in the Fulton Mall.
The views expressed in these links and resources do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. government.
Updated December 2022
