ATLANTA, GEORGIA ---A press conference will be held on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol ( Washington Street entrance) on Friday, May 4, 2007, at 12:00 noon to announce the month of June as Georgia Caribbean American Heritage Month.

Before the Georgia General Assembly adjourned its 40 day legislative session, it unanimously adopted a Resolution, sponsored by State Representative Billy Mitchell ( D-Stone Mountain ) and State Representative Alisha Thomas-Morgan (D-Cobb) that proclaims June , Caribbean Heritage Month in Georgia .

Last year, California Congresswoman Barbara Lee sponsored a Resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives which recognized the tremendous contributions Caribbean Americans have played in the political, economic and social development of the United States . The Oakland lawmaker received the unanimous support of her Congressional colleagues and the Resolution was signed by President Bush on June 5, 2006.

The Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington , D.C. was largely responsible for initiating the drive for the Caribbean American Heritage Month bill designation and numerous states across the nation have followed by pushing local legislatures to adopt a similar Resolution.

An Opening Reception on Friday, June 1, 2007 at City Hall Atrium will kick off a month of activities in the metro Atlanta area commemorating the second Caribbean American Heritage Month. Highlights include a Gospelfest on June 2, an Interfaith Celebration on June 9, celebrating the many faiths of the Caribbean, a Forum at State Capitol and a Haitian Symposium on June 16, a Meet & Greet by the Trinidadian Association of Georgia on June 21, and a Business Opportunities Seminar on June 23. An Awards Banquet at the Airport Marriott will close out the month of activities at which State Representative Billy Mitchell will be honored, the guest speaker will be a former New York City councilwoman Dr. The Hon. Una Clarke, and entertainment provided by the talented UK-born singer Julie Dexter.