In case you weren’t aware, June is not only Black Music Month, it’s also Caribbean-American Heritage Month. And, we couldn’t let it pass by without shouting out some of our favorite island celebs — and celebs you may not have known have some island heritage running through their veins.
“Caribbean Heritage Month commemoration was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2005 to recognize the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States. The resolution passed the Senate in Feb. 2006 and President George H.W. Bush issued the proclamation in June 2006,” the NRCS states, adding “Since the declaration, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognizing June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month.”
From music to fashion to civil activism, and more, there is no end to how prominent names connected to Caribbean culture have contributed to America, so it’s definitely about time we start celebrating US. Keep scrolling for some familiar and not-so-familiar faces.
1. We all knew Rihanna was born in Barbados.
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2. But did you know Lenny Kravitz’s mom (‘The Jeffersons’ actress Roxie Roker) was of Bahamian descent?
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3. Cardi B is Trinidadian, Dominican, AND Puerto Rican.
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4. Kerry Washington’s mom is Jamaican.
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5. Naomi Campbell’s mom is also Jamaican.
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6. Tia and Tamera’s mother is Bahamian.
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7. Pepa was born in Kingston, Jamaica.
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8. Selita Ebanks was born in the Cayman Islands.
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9. Lala Anthony is Puerto Rican.
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10. Derek Luke’s dad is Guyanese.
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11. Romany Malco’s parents are Trinidadian.
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12. And Nicki Minaj was, of course, born in Trinidad.
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