Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month

Jose Burgos is the state director for the U.S. Commercial Services Export Assistance Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month! This annual observance honors the Caribbean Americans who have had a tremendous impact on our country’s history, culture, and traditions. As the State Director of the U.S. Commercial Services Export Assistance Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a resident with traditional ties to the Caribbean, I feel fortunate to share with you my perspectives on the vitality and diversity of the region I call home.

During this month, I’ve had the pleasure of introducing my friends and loved ones to all that the Caribbean has to offer, from musical influences like steel drums in Trinidad and Tobago to culinary influences like Pasteles in Puerto Rico. Each Caribbean island is unique and formed by a blend of different global cultures, like my family, which can trace its ancestry back to Spain. But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the dark days of slavery and colonialism in the Caribbean. Reflecting on this history highlights the resilience and strength of the people who have their roots in this region. Today, the Caribbean is a commercial hub for travel and tourism, technology, services, and life sciences, providing a wealth of export opportunities for U.S. companies. I am grateful that in my position, I can uplift U.S. entrepreneurs, communities throughout the Caribbean, and Caribbean Americans—all while witnessing inclusive economic growth in the region.

The contributions of Caribbean Americans have profoundly shaped the cultural fabric of the United States, and I encourage you to join the celebration and learn more about this important commemoration by: National ArchivesOur capital’s many museums, including National Museum of the American Indian as well as National Museum of African American History and Cultureas well as on-site and online collections that tell the history of the area. If you travel to Puerto Rico, I highly recommend visiting El Morro Castillo de San Cristobal in Old San Juan, which perfectly showcases the rich spirit and history of the area.

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