As part of Caribbean-American Heritage month, Soca star Machel Montano is set to perform at the White House today. This is a great look for Machel and Caribbean Americans in general. Check out the details below…

…Since the declaration, the White House has issued an annual proclamation recognising June as Caribbean-American Heritage Month. This year marks the sixth anniversary of the occasion and official recognition by the US Government that “since the 16th Century, the destinies of the peoples of the Caribbean and the American continent have been inextricably linked”.

In a Presidential Proclamation dated May 31, 2011, the Obama Administration states:

“The fabric of our Nation has been woven together and enriched by the diversity of our people. Our legacy as a Nation of immigrants is part of what makes America strong, and during National Caribbean American Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history and vibrant cultures Caribbean-Americans have brought to our shores”….

Read the full story here: Machel to perform at the White House | Trinidad Express Newspaper | Featured News.

…via.

Interesting article on the upcoming Haitian presidential election and the pair of superstar musicians, Michel Martelly, a.k.a. “Sweet Micky,” and Wyclef Jean, set to be pitted against each other. Check out an excerpt below…

Better known for the eyebrow-raising lyrics (and swearing) and his ability to rouse even the most conservative of Haitian elites to dance on top of tables, Martelly, 49, dressed in a suit on Thursday to submit his paperwork to run for President on the ticket of his party Repons Peyizan, or Countrymen’s Response. He acknowledges that comparisons will be made between himself and Jean (who according to the candidacy papers he filed this week is 40 years old, not 37 as his bios previously said). But Martelly says despite being opponents for the presidency, he and Jean are friends. Martelly appeared on Jean’s first solo album The Carnival in 1997. But Martelly jokes, “He’s global and I’m local.” And he says what sets him apart from the rest of the presidential field — his friend included — is the Haitian people’s true affinity for him.

Read the full article here: Haiti: Wyclef Jean to Face Michel Martelly in Election – TIME.

As a child of Caribbean immigrants, I’m more empathetic to the struggles of current Haitian immigrants than the average person might be. The New York Times recently put together a story on the lives of some Haitians living in New York, and how the actions of the new administration might impact their future. Check out an excerpt below…

“Things are easier here,” Danie said, speaking on condition that she not be identified by her full name because she feared detection. “There’s more security, people find food easier, you have money, somewhere to stay.”

But Haitians in New York — the city with the largest population of Haitian descent outside Port-au-Prince — are hopeful about a proposal under consideration by the Obama administration that would provide relief for her and tens of thousands of other illegal Haitian immigrants.

Check out the full article here: Haitians in U.S. Illegally Look for Signs of a Deporting Reprieve.

You might not be familiar with his name, but I’m pretty sure you’ve seen his work. USVI-bred photographer Damon Winter was recently awarded the Pulitizer Prize for photography for his work covering Barack Obama for The New York Times. Check the details below…

Damon Winter won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for feature photography for his pictures capturing President Obama’s campaign. The New York Times photographer also takes home $10,000.

“I was shocked, amazed, surprised and happy.” That’s how Damon Winter describes his reaction to learning about his Pulitzer Prize for feature photography, an award given to the top photo series in the U.S. A New York Times photographer, Winter won a Pulitzer for a collection of photos he shot while he covered Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.

“It means so much to win this award,” Winter says in a phone interview with DigitalJournal.com. “It’s great to see the Pulitzer Prize honour material that’s uplifting and inspiring.”

For the full article, click here: New York Times Photographer Wins Pulitzer Prize for Obama Pics. Also, check out a Q&A with the photog here: Q&A: Damon Winter on Covering Obama.

image via Jennifer dG on Flickr.

April 21st, 1959…Thousands turn out at Penn Station to welcome Cuban Premier Fidel Castro as he arrives for four-day stay. Castro is surrounded by the largest security detail ever assigned a visitor to the city, after authorities learn of a plot to assassinate the Communist leader.

photo by PRI’s The World’s Photostream

A long overdue rest in peace to Aimé Césaire. Our condolences to his family and friends. More info on Mr. Césaire’s life can be found here and here.