Background

In June 2005 the House of Representatives unanimously adopted H. Con. Res. 71, sponsored by Congresswoman Barbara Lee, recognizing the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. 
On February 14, 2006, the resolution similarly passed the Senate, culminating a two-year, bipartisan and bicameral effort. The Proclamation was issued by President George Bush on June 6, 2006.

Since the declaration, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognizing June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. 2019 marks the 13th anniversary of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month

C.A.H.M 2019

Caribbean American Heritage Month Opening Ceremony – Saturday, June 1st

6:30PM – 8:30PM

The opening ceremony will begin with the official State of Illinois and City of Chicago Proclamations announcing June official Caribbean American History Month. The Master/Mistress of Ceremonies will welcome local and national dignitaries. Recalling the events beginnings and highlighting the month’s activities and speakers. Cultural performances and a mini Taste of the Caribbean will be the highlight of the evening.

Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – Friday, June 7th

On Friday we will join community partners  to discuss and  lead the effort to eliminate HIV/AIDS with ethnic and racial health disparities, also building capacity and bridges to care in communities of color, specifically focusing on the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Caribbean region.

A Journey Through The Caribbean In Chicago – Saturday, June 8th 

Starting Venue: 2333 S Michigan Ave

Join us as we take a “cruise” through the Caribbean right here in the City of Chicago.  Who said you had to pack your bags to enjoy the culture of the Caribbean…a “staycation” might not give you the white sand beaches but we can have a good time pretending.  We will “journey” to 6 ports of call right here in Chicago to Discover The World in Our City and learn more about the Caribbean culture.

Networking Event – Wednesday, June 12th

Irie Jerk Bar & Grill 3404 N Clark Street Chicago, IL
5:30PM – 7:30PM

“Happy Hour” style networking event held at a Chicago’s newest Caribbean Lounge & Bar. This networking opportunity is open for all to attend, and we encourage everyone attending to bring business cards to exchange.

Puerto Rican Day Parade – Saturday, June 15th

2:00PM – Step off Division & Western Chicago, IL

Our Theme: INVASION- The Rest of The Caribbean!!!   CAMA will be recruiting other Caribbean nationalities to participate in the 2019 Puerto Rican Day Parade. The parade route runs on Division west to Sacramento.  It is one of the largest parades held in the Midwest.  Over 300,000 people of different ethnic and racial groups from all over Illinois and the surrounding suburbs come together to celebrate.

Networking Event – Thursday, June 20th

Mr. Browns Lounge, 2301 W. Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL
5:30PM – 7:30PM

“Happy Hour” style networking event held at a Chicago’s newest Caribbean Lounge & Bar. This networking opportunity is open for all to attend, and we encourage everyone attending to bring business cards to exchange.

Chicago “Chitown” Jerk Fest – Sunday, June 23rd

Washington Park Chicago, IL

The Chitown JerkFest will begin with the Master/Mistress of Ceremonies welcoming local and national dignitaries as they enter the host park for this one of a kind family event. Not to be missed will be the introduction and the start of the Jerk Cook-off competition when restaurants, caterers and home cooks vie for one year’s worth of bragging rights as “The Best Jerk Chef” in Chicago.  Visit the Caribbean Marketplace, an open air festival where corporations and small businesses will showcase their products and services to a most desirable consumer market.  As well as, cultural displays, live entertainment, domino tournament, the kids fun zone and a sponsored beer garden.

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