RECOGNIZING JUNE 2026 AS “CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH” IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

153rd General Assembly (2025-2026) Introduced by Darius Brown and 8 co-sponsors

Designates June 2026 as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Delaware and encourages observance by agencies, schools, and organizations without new legal requirements or funding.

Passed By Senate. Votes: 20 YES 1 ABSENT

Bill Overview

Bill: HCR 139

Session: 153 (Delaware)

Jurisdiction: Delaware

Title: Recognizing June 2026 as “Caribbean American Heritage Month” in the State of Delaware

Status: Introduced and passed in both chambers on 2026-06-09

House: Passed by voice vote
Senate: Passed with a vote of 20 yes, 1 absent

Sponsors:

Primary/co-sponsors include Dave Wilson, Dave Sokola, Madinah Wilson-Anton, Darius Brown, Claire Snyder-Hall, Josue Ortega, Ray Seigfried, Melanie Ross Levin, Marie Pinkney

Purpose and Intent

The resolution recognizes and designates June 2026 as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Delaware.

It aims to acknowledge and honor the contributions, history, and cultural impact of Caribbean Americans within the state.

Serves a symbolic and educational function, highlighting Caribbean American heritage and fostering awareness.

Key Provisions

Formal recognition by the State of Delaware that June 2026 is Caribbean American Heritage Month.

May include:

Acknowledging notable Caribbean American contributions to Delaware’s social, economic, and cultural landscape.
Encouraging state agencies, schools, and organizations to observe the month through events, programs, and educational activities.
Encouraging the distribution of information and resources related to Caribbean American history and culture.

Note: As a concurrent or joint-resolution-type measure, the bill is mainly ceremonial and does not create new statutory mandates or funding allocations beyond encouraging observance.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Primary Impact:

Caribbean American residents and communities in Delaware, who receive formal recognition and a platform to highlight their heritage.

Secondary Impacts:

Educational institutions, cultural organizations, and state agencies may engage in commemorative programming, events, and informational outreach during June 2026.
Public awareness and inclusivity within Delaware’s diverse population.

No direct fiscal mandate is specified; any related activities would be voluntary and funded at local or organizational discretion unless otherwise allocated.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and passage occurred on 2026-06-09.

As a resolution, it typically reflects a state-level formal expression of recognition rather than implementing new laws or budgetary provisions.

If adopted, June 2026 would be officially designated as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Delaware each year moving forward only for the designated year unless renewed by subsequent resolutions.

Overall Assessment

HCR 139 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Caribbean American Heritage Month in Delaware for June 2026.

It provides symbolic acknowledgment and encourages observance but does not impose new legal requirements or allocate funds.

The measure has broad bipartisan sponsorship and has passed both chambers, indicating general support for recognizing Caribbean American contributions to Delaware.