Wow, what an intriguing month June has been.  As you must know by now, June has been officially recognized as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month ("CAHM") since 2006, and we certainly commemorated and celebrated our Caribbean-American Heritage to the fullest.   In past years, our celebrating consisted of attending events and receptions.  However, this year 2010 we were afforded the opportunity to attend forums, briefings, lectures and discussions; and I must say they were truly fascinating.  There were healthy dialogues on the issues plaguing our Caribbean Communities such as: immigration, crime, business development, health, disasters and relief efforts in the islands – (especially Haiti,) our Caribbean Island leaders, Trade, public service, the strengthening of relationships between Caribbean Leaders and community based organizations, and even our music, poetry and art was highlighted in some form or another.   Additionally, I was able to converse with State Representatives, Professors, Ambassadors, small business owners, scholars, Political leaders, executive directors of community based organizations, and folks from all sorts of professions with diverse backgrounds - who all exhibited the same passion - - [the love for their culture and their heritage.]

My reason for attending was not purely for educational purposes, but after all it turned out to be very educational, and the conversing and collaborating with such diverse people was quite meaningful. 

This being the last full week of "CAHM", I felt it was particularly important due to it being Legislative Conferences Week.  Through the forums I was able to attend; I learned a great deal and was able to get an overall view of the works of the Institute of Caribbean Studies, their leader Dr. Claire Nelson, her team, and their goals.  As a matter of fact, the forums gave me new insight, meaning and purpose to all that we do for our community.  For me though, the culmination of this week and for really this entire month on a whole was the White House Briefing, where many leaders of the Caribbean-American Community attended the White House Caribbean-American Leaders Policy Briefing.  At the briefing we were addressed by many on President Obama’s team, his directors of specific Federal Government Agencies.  They addressed some issues such as: Financial Regulatory Reform, Health Care, Caribbean Affairs, Haiti, Census, Minority Business Development and Small Business, Economic Security, Immigration, and we were even updated on the BP Oil spill, plus much more. 

What has been extremely valuable to me in my business is meeting people and for me personally, I met a lot of new people, and absorbed and learned so very much.  I heard fascinating stories, and saw their passion to network, integrate, teach, and convey all they learned in an effort to nurture, develop and expend in their respective areas.  For me I truly re-established my commitment to my heritage and culture.

Indeed this June Month of 2010 will be one to remember.  Dr. Claire Nelson and her team has gone above and beyond making it exceptional and I must say here in Washington DC it has been awesome.  

In the few days we have left in June go ahead and continue celebrating us, our culture, contributions  and commemorate our heritage and history.  To learn more about Caribbean-American Heritage Month and its history log on their site by CLICKING HERE!  The picture above to the right is the Proclamation issued by President Barack H. Obama with his signature, which I was fortunate enough to receive.  Unfortunately, the words are not clear (simply not captured by my camera); however, if you wish to read the Proclamation PLEASE CLICK HERE!

Still across the United States several events are taking place - many we have received notices for, and requests for exposure; which we have posted on our "In Celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month" Page, and you will also find some on our "Events" Page as well.  Therefore, take the time to browse through these two pages.  Please note there are events all across the U.S. taking place and you will be able to find many of them on our In Celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month Page.  Another place to look for events and to learn more about National Caribbean-American Heritage Month is on its site: www.caribbeanheritage.org.  Here you will find details of this special month and the national calendar, so log on by clicking www.caribbeanheritage.org.

As this month comes to an end the Splendor of the Caribbean Culture truly comes alive over the next few days here in Washington DC with "Carnival".  This spectacular "Greatest Show On Earth", which to me is an expression of total freedom, and of one where all your inhibitions are disposed off, a time to truly party and have loads of fun.  I'm sure after hearing me rant over the years that you are completely knowledgeable about Caribbean Carnivals.  It is an event which is very similar to the "Mardi Gras" that takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana.  It is definitely NOT  as many folks think - an amusement park with rides and games.  

Actually, the Caribbean Carnival  within the Caribbean is described as a festival - " festival full of colors" transformed into costumes or "Mas" ( masquerade); full of music [ calypso, soca, steel band music, iron sections]; full of dance; an array of ethnic foods as well as Caribbean art.  Like me, some people describe Carnival as a form of freedom - of just letting oneself go on the day/s of the event, and enjoying the music, the parties...just having enormous amounts of  FUN!!! FUN!!! and more FUN!!!  

Carnival is indeed a whole lot of fun that attracts millions of people from around the globe, and it has become a huge year-round business entity in America.  It allows each culture to pay tribute to, and (1) expose their art form in the cities where the Carnival is held; (2) it provides enjoyment to millions of people and revenues to businesses year round, and (3) for the cities it is held in, it increases tourism and generates revenue for the city government.  Carnival is a certainly "a big business."  Unlike in the Caribbean where Carnival is part of the culture, here in America it's more a showcase of the culture.  Keep in mind though, carnival is not only a show it's an interactive show in which everyone is encouraged to participate.

This entire "Carnival thing" is awesome and is certainly a fantastic "thing " to experience, so if you are in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia; or even in states only a few hours away and you have the opportunity to travel to DC this weekend, please do so, in order for you to be mesmerized by this Carnival taking place here.  If you make it, do focus on the " Mas" bands along the parade route, and keep in mind you will have the time of your life.  Undoubtedly, you will have lots of fun "whining ", jumping and dancing to the sweet sounds of the music. 

Normally, we are always involved with Carnival in some form or another; but somehow this year we simply are not "feeling" it.  However, we will be stopping by a few of the events and definitely will be out capturing some photos.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Bandleaders Association of Washington DC for requesting our banners so that they would be displayed on the trucks of all the bands who are a part of their Association (who are in the parade).  Unfortunately, due to time constraints we were unable to obtain banners for all; however you will find our banners on a few of them.

For all who are taking part in this Carnival, we hope you have a fantastic time, and take the proper precautions to protect yourself from the high temperatures that are expected.  Below are information on the Carnival or log on to their site: www.dccaribbeancarnival.org.

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  We got word that a great show is coming to this area in a few weeks.  It is Brazilian Superstar Seu Jorge.  Mr. Jorge is a Brazilian musician, singer, songwriter and actor.   Mr. Jorge will be in our area performing at the 930 Club in Washington DC on July 27, 2010.  We are glad to announce that we will be giving away some tickets to this show.  Therefore, we ask you to stay tuned for some trivia questions for you to win tickets.  We will begin the giveaway next week.

On Father's Day we lost a member of my family in Trinidad - my uncle Vernon Harding.  This gentleman was a good man at heart, a good father and a good provider.  We all are mourning this loss and we will certainly miss uncle Vernon.  I send my sincerest condolences to his wife, sons and daughters.  Yesterday, while talking to my cousin (his daughter) she brought back some memories that neither her or I wanted to touch, but it was soothing and good to talk about him.  Including uncle Vernon's immediate family, I know my father will miss him dearly because he was his oldest brother and best friend.  May Uncle Vernon rest in peace.

Kindly check out the events we have spotlighted below under our "Featured Events" section .  Actually, check out all the events including all the upcoming events by logging on to our Events Page here.  

Have an enjoyable and fantastic weekend, and we will certainly vibe some more with you next week.

We welcome your input, so if you have any comment or feedback on the commentary or events - please feel free to send an e-mail to me Susan Mangatal at my e-mail address: susan@ariousentertainment.us or you can also reach me at ariousentertainment@earthlink.net.

Featured Events: For all our events please visit our "Events" Page.

There are a lot more exciting events that you must check out.  Therefore we invite you to visit our "Events" Page.

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