CACAO Masqueraders

Some of the vendors for the Marvel City Caribbean Food and Music Festival...there's lots more.

Happy Caribbean Heritage Month!

June is a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Caribbean people throughout the United States.

I am proud and honored to contribute to the socioeconomic development of The United States of America alongside my fellow Caribbean people.

In 2006, President George W. Bush officially proclaimed June as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, recognizing the significant impact Caribbean people have made on the nation's development, culture, and prosperity.

Here in Alabama, we are proud to see that recognition continue:
Through the efforts of the Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO), Governor Kay Ivey proclaimed June as Caribbean Heritage Month in Alabama in 2025.

The Alabama House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing June as Caribbean Heritage Month in 2025, thanks to the leadership of Senator Merika Coleman.

Mayor Kenneth Gulley proclaimed June as Caribbean Heritage Month in the City of Bessemer in 2025.

We were proud to share these momentous achievements with our sister Caribbean organizations throughout the State of Alabama.

In 2011, when Pauline Ford, Founder of the Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization (CACAO), and her board members made the decision to share Caribbean culture, traditions, and contributions with Alabama, they intentionally scheduled our festival for the first Saturday in June to commemorate and celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month.

Today, that vision continues to bring people together through culture, community, and celebration.

So, I invite you to join us not only to experience the vibrancy, music, food, and culture of the Caribbean at the Marvel City Caribbean Food and Music Festival on Saturday, June 6, at DeBardeleben Park in Bessemer, Alabama, but also to celebrate Caribbean Heritage Month with us.

I look forward to celebrating with you!

Gina Sealy
President,
Central Alabama Caribbean American Organization

CACAO — Central Alabama Caribbean American Organizations Central Alabama Caribbean American Organizations — Celebrating Caribbean culture and raising scholarships for Caribbean American students in Birmingham, Alabama.