Dr. Claire Nelson has lengthy been acknowledged as a pioneering determine within the Caribbean diaspora. Born in Jamaica, she went on to turn out to be the architect behind Nationwide Caribbean American Heritage Month in the US — a milestone that offers recognition to hundreds of thousands of Caribbean People every June. Her journey displays not solely private achievement but in addition a deep dedication to amplifying Caribbean voices on the world stage.
Champion of Caribbean American Heritage Month
Dr. Nelson is finest recognized for her work to determine June as Nationwide Caribbean American Heritage Month (NCAHM). By way of years of advocacy, coalition constructing, and persistence in Washington, D.C., she helped safe the official recognition signed into legislation by President George W. Bush in 2006. Right now, the observance highlights the contributions of Caribbean immigrants and their descendants to American life, tradition, and historical past.
In a current interview with Maxine Reyes, Dr. Nelson spoke about her journey, her motivations, and the challenges she confronted in creating National Caribbean American Heritage Month. The complete video captures her reflections on management, id, and the significance of illustration for Caribbean People.
Watch the interview beneath to listen to immediately from Dr. Claire Nelson about her imaginative and prescient and accomplishments.
Founding father of the Institute of Caribbean Research
Her influence extends past NCAHM. Dr. Nelson is the founder and president of the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), a number one coverage and advocacy assume tank primarily based in Washington, D.C. Beneath her management, the ICS has turn out to be a hub for analysis, dialogue, and initiatives geared toward strengthening the voice of Caribbean People in nationwide affairs. The group has hosted coverage boards, cultural applications, and enterprise improvement efforts that proceed to profit communities throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean.
Acknowledged Chief and Innovator
Along with her work with ICS, Dr. Nelson has carved a distinguished profession as a futurist and sustainability skilled. She is among the many first Caribbean ladies to be acknowledged as a member of the World Futures Research Federation, and she or he has suggested international establishments on improvement points, innovation, and techniques for small island states.
Her work has earned quite a few honors, together with recognition as certainly one of Forbes’ 50 Leading Female Futurists. She has additionally authored influential papers and contributed to worldwide discussions on matters starting from sustainable improvement to the function of tradition in shaping inclusive futures.
A Message of Legacy and Unity
Dr. Nelson’s imaginative and prescient goes past celebration. She sees Caribbean American Heritage Month as a possibility to construct legacy, unity, and political engagement. By highlighting contributions of Caribbean People — from politics and enterprise to music and sports activities — she encourages the diaspora to take pleasure of their heritage whereas additionally stepping ahead to form coverage and society.
Picture – Dega Billy James
