Poughkeepsie … June is Caribbean American Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the history and cultures of individuals from the various Caribbean islands. In the spirit of the month and its mission to promote and celebrating various cultures to increase inclusion and belonging, Dutchess County’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, in collaboration with Dutchess Community College (DCC), will host a free Caribbean American Heritage Event on Thursday, June 1st, from 9am to 4pm at DCC’s Dutchess Hall, located at 53 Pendell Road in Poughkeepsie.
Josayne Anderson-Tejera, Equal Employment Opportunity and Inclusion Officer for Dutchess County Government, said, “The islands of the Caribbean have a rich cultural history that has contributed greatly to the vivid tapestry that is our country and local community. Dutchess County is proud to help bring this event to DCC students and the greater Dutchess County community to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Caribbean Americans.”
The event will feature speakers, workshops, cultural dance lessons, vendors, music and food. Registration is suggested and is available online. There will also be community tables and vendors, including Dutchess Community College Admissions, the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc Major General Irene Trowell-Harris Chapter, and the County’s Human Resources Department highlighting the County’s current employment opportunities and various career paths.
The event is coordinated in partnership with Jacqueline Goffe-McNish, Professor of English and Humanities at DCC, has taught Caribbean Literature for over 30 years and has taken her students to the Caribbean for the more than 20 years for a cultural emersion study abroad course. The event is also supported by the New York State Minorities in Criminal Justice Inc. Region 4.
