History has a way of connecting us to what truly matters. History is the blueprint of our nation, and it tells us where we are now and where we are going in the future.
As June brings us many reasons to celebrate, Solid Rock Community Church, a predominantly Caribbean American church community on Michigan Avenue in Kissimmee, will celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month on June 25 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
This celebration of Caribbean culture will feature live entertainment, music, and dancing. This event is also family oriented, so the kids can have a great time with face painting and a bounce house. The event will also have tables featuring local business vendors.
Why celebrate Caribbean heritage? According to the U.S Department of the Interior, “In the 19th century, the U.S. attracted many Caribbeans who excelled in various professions such as craftsmen, scholars, teachers, preachers, doctors, inventors, comedians, politicians, poets, songwriters, and activistsIn the 19th century, the U.S. attracted many Caribbean’s who excelled in various professions such as craftsmen, scholars, teachers, preachers, doctors, inventors, comedians, politicians, poets, songwriters, and activists.”
Looking through history, influential names such as Alexander Hamiton, Shirley Chislom, James Weldon Johnson, Cecilia Cruz, and Colin Powell all have a foundation in the Caribbean. Because of their impact, in 2005 the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill of recognition to celebrate Caribbean Americans.
Since 2005, Solid Rock Community Church has highlighted the importance of celebrating Caribbean Heritage Month. This year, Solid Rock is taking this celebration to another level. Andy King came from Guyana and is a member of Solid Rock Community Church, member and former President of the Caribbean and Floridian Association (CAFA) coordinator for the recent Caribbean Fusion event in Kissimmee.
“We are looking forward to celebrating the diversity of Caribbean Heritage with the food, the colors, and the people,” he said. “We know that the city of Kissimmee prides itself on a very diverse community, and it is important that we highlight that diversity by showcasing the various ethnnic backgrounds with food and culture. And make sure that our children have some ideas with the background of the people that came before us from the Caribbean nations.”
Pastor of Solid Rock Community Church Dr. Matthew Quainoo highlights this event as, “a powerful homecoming experience.”
“When we celebrate the richness of diversity, we are giving glory to God, for we are celebrating God’s masterpieces. This is an opportunity to celebrate, fellowship, and worship God through this event,” he said. “We usually talk about civil rights in America, but we don’t talk about civil rights in the Caribbean. We have to remember that part of history, where slaves were forcibly transported from the Caribbean, and how they struggled in oppression. We are celebrating the genesis of civilization, universities, buildings, and such; we are uplifting our young people’s self esteem. We remind them that they are brilliant, beautiful, and that they are not defined by oppression. We are celebrating the overcoming and journey.”
For more information on the event, contact Solid Rock Community Church at 407-847-3500.
