Welcome to BostonsOwn.com, Boston's Caribbean Accent

“The authentic Caribbean is made up of all of the world's peoples - African, Asian, European, Mid-Eastern and the native Amerindian. They form an ethnic montage that has composed a distinctive cultural personality. Their rhythms are unique as seen in their performing arts - music and dance; they stimulate your sensibilities with the writings of their writers and the paintings of their painters; and they nourish you with their cosmopolitan food.

These characteristics, and an early socialization in multicultural, multiracial countries have allowed West Indian immigrants, for example, to assimilate seamlessly into Boston. They have an almost instinctual knowledge of how to live in a city such as contemporary Boston.”

Press Release
Washington, DC - June 1, 2009
Contact: Jennifer Gore (443-414-3709)

4th NATIONAL CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATIONS PLANS UNDERWAY

This June 2009, marks the fourth national celebrations of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month and the first with a Democratic President. ICS and its affiliates and partners around the country have succeeded in setting a pace for the past three years commemorating National Celebrations of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month that sets the bar for this year's celebrations.

Citing the need to continue building on the previous year's, ICS as the architect and Chair of the National Campaign to commemorate JUNE as Caribbean American Heritage Month, has forged relationships with individuals and organizations around the country with a singular vision in mind, that is to set a standard for what Caribbean American Heritage Month must become.

Members of the National Commemorative Committee which includes community leaders from across America have been working feverishly to ensure a widened outreach. Increase efforts were made to engage new community leaders in centers of high concentration of Caribbean Americans. The purpose of the National Commemorative Committee is to put in place an organizing process that is able to withstand the rigors of national, language and racial and ethnic differences over time. Says, Dr. Nelson, "what we have is not perfect, but it is perfect for where we are now. We are a community in transition from the cocoon of near invisibility to staking our claim in American society and history. Given the awakening that took place in the 2008 election, I anticipate an increase in the number of events and an increase in participation of community organizations and leaders.

From Atlanta to Brooklyn to Orlando to Fort Lauderdale to Washington DC the first 4 days of June are filled with a series of activities that reflect the diversity of the region while celebrating the unity. From film festivals to carnivals to food festivals to the capstone National Caribbean American Legislative Conference in Washington DC, the month is shaping up to be a wave of opportunities to display Caribbean influence on American life.

The Caribbean diaspora in the US is estimated at around 5 million. Given this significant number and the current political/economic environment, and anti-immigrant climate, the efforts to establish a National Caribbean American Heritage Month which began in 1999, remain significant and critical in making visible the Caribbean American identity, developing the agenda and recognizing Caribbean Americans who contribute significantly to the American landscape. For more information about Caribbean American Heritage Month, and how you can get involved, visit www.caribbeanamericanmonth.org


Hot Like Fire

Our BIG 20th Anniversary Party! This Sat May 30th at The Western front 343 Western Ave Cambridge, MA from 9pm-2am. (Really this event will start early!) Free Jamaican buffet dinner, Cake, a short biographical film, memorabilia and many special guests! Guest Artists include Bigga Reid, Jr. Jazz, Jubilant, Toney Smith, Addis I, Kelly Rowe and more! Plus the Hot Like Fire crew including Dion Knibb, Kelley B. and Flex Murder. Don't miss this event! Our new 20th anniversary tee shirts will be available.


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Click for details of 7th Annual Spring Concert of Steelbands May 2009

Boston Arts Festival
Boston's Children
D'Midas International of Boston
Carnival in the Pink
Boston's Children - D'Midas International of Boston, Boston Carnival
Caribbean Carnival in Franklin Park in Boston
(Globe Staff Photo / Dominic Chavez) courtesy Boston Globe Online

Massachusetts Caribbean Week Law Anniversary
August 21 - 27

In November, 1991 Senator Bill Owens joined with the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus, the Caribbean Ad-Hoc Committee and Ambassadors from Caribbean nations to celebrate the passage of legislation sponsored by the Senate. The bill, Senate 1108, proclaimed that the governor declare the last week of August be celebrated as Caribbean Week in Massachusetts. Noting that there are more than 300,000 Caribbean nationals residing in the Commonwealth, Senator Owens' legislation cited people of the Caribbean as, "distinguished residents of the state who have made significant contributions to life in Massachusetts."


Boston-based artistes and productions
Steelband, Comedy and Folk