Gaithersburg, MD – (May 31, 2022) The City of Gaithersburg celebrates and honors Caribbean-American Heritage Month in June with a performance and a proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage and achievements of our Caribbean-American neighbors.

At the Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m., Mayor Jud Ashman will issue an official proclamation declaring June 2022 as Caribbean-American Heritage Month in the City of Gaithersburg, recognizing the history and achievements of Caribbean-Americans. The proclamation will be presented to Joan Beckford, owner of Island Pride’s Oasis Restaurant & Catering.

Joan received the Caribbean American Heritage Spotlight Award from the Jamaican Nationals Association, Inc. in recognition of her exemplary and dedicated service to local communities. She was also recognized with an award from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for her dedicated assistance and support of Bethesda’s Multicultural Committee’s Caribbean American Heritage Events.

Celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage month with a Steel Pan Jam Performance at the Benjamin Gaither Center on Wednesday, June 29 at 12:30 p.m. Dance, tap, or just listen as musician Ronald Emrit plays his Steel Pan, entertaining us with his favorite tunes from the Caribbean Islands and the United States. Tastings of traditional desserts and drinks will be provided. Admission is free for Benjamin Gaither Center Members; $5 for non-members. Registration is required. Register online here.

Throughout our history, Caribbean-Americans have brought vibrant cultures, languages, traditions, and values that strengthen our country and add new chapters to our common story. The Caribbean region includes 13 countries and a dozen territories including Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Trinidad/Tobago.

The Caribbean's diversity can be experienced through its cuisine. Many different cultures came through the Caribbean over centuries, each leaving their mark on the daily lives of Caribbean people from what they eat, to how they prepare it. The most common ingredients of Caribbean cuisine are rice, plantains, beans, coconut, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Caribbean dishes are often associated with fruity flavors and tropical aromas. Sharing a meal is a great way to experience the rich culture the Caribbean-Americans bring to our community.

The mission of the Multicultural Affairs Committee is to enrich our City through the promotion of understanding, respect, and appreciation of the many cultures of Gaithersburg. Learn more here.