WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jonathan Jackson presided as co-chair on June 5 Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Special Order Hour, honoring the indelible impact of Caribbean Americans on our nation during Caribbean American History Month. Congressman Jackson delivered two sets of impactful remarks highlighting the historical contributions of Caribbean Americans and the vital role of Haiti during the American Revolution.
In his initial address, Congressman Jackson celebrated the immense contributions of Caribbean Americans to the United States. “This month, we honor and celebrate the profound and significant impact of Caribbean Americans in shaping our nation’s narrative, from the realms of science and politics to literature and civil rights activism,” said Congressman Jackson. “Their courage, tenacity, and creativity have deeply enriched the American cultural, intellectual, and social landscape.”
The Congressman highlighted a range of influential figures, from Shirley Chisholm to Malcolm X, from Colin Powell to the everyday heroes that represent the spirit of Caribbean American contribution to the nation’s progress and development. He also stressed the significance of the U.S. Virgin Islands as integral parts of the American story.
In his second set of remarks, Congressman Jackson shed light on a lesser-known yet crucial aspect of American history: the invaluable aid of Haiti, then known as French Saint Domingue, during the American Revolution.
“The fight for freedom in our land was bolstered by a colony built on the brutal enslavement of individuals,” said Congressman Jackson. “This prosperous colony was our silent partner in the fight for independence. The French, in a bid to safeguard Saint Domingue from British capture, provided considerable support to the American cause.”
Congressman Jackson called attention to the paradox of Haiti’s history, noting the essential contributions from the people of a slave society towards American independence. He highlighted the role of more than 500 Haitian free men of color who fought alongside American colonists, as well as the colony’s service as a vital transit point for arms and supplies from France.
Moreover, the Congressman underscored America’s historical debt to Haiti and appealed for a future defined by mutual respect and collaboration. “We have a historical debt, a moral obligation, to assist in Haiti’s recovery and long-term development,” he stated, urging his colleagues to remember this intertwined history when addressing relations with the Caribbean.
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