Montgomery County proclaims June 2026 Caribbean American Heritage Month

Council Member Laurian Sales proclaimed June 2026 as Caribbean American Heritage Month during the June 9 Montgomery County Council session, inviting community members from across the Caribbean diaspora to the dais.

Sales, the council member who sponsored the proclamation, said the month recognizes ‘‘independence, identity, and unity’’ and marked the 20th anniversary of the observance. She described Caribbean Americans’ contributions ‘‘across all sectors in this country from government and healthcare, education, business, science, sports, music, and arts.’’

The event included introductions from more than a dozen community representatives who traced family roots to Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Lucia and other nations. Lori Williams, chair of the Caribbean‑American advisory group, reflected on her family’s history and the advisory group’s ongoing work to serve Caribbean residents in Montgomery County.

Fred Blankin, who described his delivery company’s coordination of donations after the Haiti earthquake and hurricane relief efforts, said his firm helped collect and ship supplies and supported a texting campaign that raised funds for the Red Cross. ‘‘We are proud to be in a community that recognizes we’re lifting each other up,’’ Blankin said.

Council staff read a proclamation that noted Montgomery County’s ‘‘vibrant Caribbean‑American community’’ and affirmed the county’s support for immigrant and diasporic residents. The proclamation also honored the legacy of the late Curtis Ward, a founding member of the county’s Caribbean‑American Advisory Group, and noted a leadership award established in his name.

The council and guests concluded the ceremony with a group photo. The meeting then continued into regular council business.