By Felicia D. McDaniel

I have often been asked if I am from the islands and while I knew that my paternal side settled from the West Indies to North Carolina I left it at that. However, it was not until my friend Adonal Foyle persisted, that I finally decided to trace my tree and I am glad that I did.

   Knowing where you come from is important; many have discussed going straight to the motherland but we often forget that there was a detour that many of us made before we got to America and that was the Caribbean.
    Although we all went in different paths like Cuba, Puerto Rico and Jamaica, we are still considered of Caribbean descent.
    Through the hard works of Representative Barbara Lee (DOakland), and others, a bill was passed two-years ago this month to recognize the achievements of Caribbean-Americans, making the month of June Caribbean- American Heritage Month throughout the United States.
   This past weekend some of the Caribbean’s most noted dignitaries came to Oakland as the Northern California American Heritage Committee's ceremony honored the Most Honorable Percival James "P.J." Patterson, the former Prime Minister of Jamaica, at the beautiful Rotunda Building in downtown Oakland.
    People like Cheryl Lee Ralph and Harry Belafonte who originated from the islands commented upon the rich contributions of Caribbean-Americans in video presentations. Aspecial video tribute was introduced by Warriors center Adonal Foyle in honor of the late Shirley Chisholm, the Congresswoman who was born to Caribbean parents and was the first black woman to run for president.
    Foyle, a native of St. Vincent in the Grenadines who became a U.S. Citizen on March 13 as also honored by Bay Area native Terri Vaughn formerly of the Steve Harvey Show, for his contributions to the Bay Area community and the world.
    Speakers included Pierre Labossiere, president and founder of the Haitian Action Committee, Dr. Newton Gordon, honorary Jamaica Consul for the Bay Area, and Dr. Claire Nelson, co-author of the bill for Caribbean Heritage Month.
    But the evening would belong to the Honorable "P.J." Patterson who was honored for his commitment, work and impact in the Caribbean region.
    Elected as the first prime minister born of two black parents, Patterson became a successful leader as the Prime Minister of Jamaica, and served three terms in a country traditionally controlled by whites.
    He ended his speech by encouraging those in attendance to "keep the faith and keep moving forward."
    Former B2K member Raz B performed his yet-to-be-released single, the Oakland youth trio Sistas Wit Style gave a traditional Caribbean performance and the beautiful Jamaican sister duo of Ana and Samantha Strachan gave a stirring melodically tribute to Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
   "By commemorating the Caribbean-American community as we have the African-American, Latino, Irish-American, Asian Pacific-Islander, and many other communities, we celebrate the rich history and diversity of this nation. That diversity and the designation of June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month should be an achievement celebrated by all," Lee said.
    Internationally known promoter Shorron Levy, a staple in the Bay Area for Caribbean culture and producer of CBTV1.com served as the mistress of ceremonies and events manager Darrin Thurman were some of the many who helped make this memorable event one to remember for years to come.