Ali Halloum
AFRO Intern
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of Caribbean Community Affairs marked the beginning of the city’s Caribbean Heritage Month celebrations with the second annual Caribbean flag raising ceremony on June 1 at the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest.
Since its proclamation in 2006 by the Bush administration, Caribbean Heritage Month has been held every June since, promoting the culture and contributions of Caribbean Americans, 80,000 of whom call Washington D.C. home, with roots running generations deep in Wards 4, 5 and 8.
Executive Director of the MOCCA Natalee Snider said in a May 30 press release that throughout June, the city is reaffirming its “commitment to ensuring that every Caribbean voice is heard, valued, and supported in Washington, D.C.”
“Caribbean Heritage Month is a time to reflect on the resilience, creativity, and deep cultural pride that Caribbean people bring to the District and beyond,” Snider said. “Our communities continue to shape the narrative of what it means to be American — through the arts, business, public service, and more.”
In the press release, the city says it is “partnering with community based organizations,” hosting four events throughout the month to “showcase the rich Caribbean community across D.C.”
On June 15 at 3 p.m., the city will be hosting a Father’s Day Bazaar at the Organization for American States building on 17th Street NW, featuring vendors, live music and children’s activities.
The same day at 1 p.m., the second annual “Taste of Caribbean Dance” event will take place at the YMCA Antony Bowen building on W Street NW, featuring dance workshops and a Caribbean market.
Finally, on June 27 at 5:30 p.m. the MOCCA will celebrate the office’s three year anniversary in conjunction with the Advisory Committee on Caribbean Community Affairs, who celebrates the two-year anniversary of its commissioner’s service, they will jointly host We De Ya, a “vibrant celebration of Caribbean Heritage Month” at the Eaton Hotel on K Street.