Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Caribbean Heritage Organization to:

Chronicle the experiences of the expatriated Caribbean people, from the most recently arrived immigrants to leaders in American and European society, from life on the streets of Brooklyn, London, Toronto to deal making in the halls of power.

Showcase and educate in the different aspects of Caribbean arts and culture in and outside the region.

Conserve and celebrate the rich and diverse contributions of the Caribbean and its people to the international society.

Support and nurture existing and emerging creative talent in the Caribbean through academic scholarships, mentorship and promotion of Caribbean films and filmmakers, theater and dance.

Caribbean Heritage Organization, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) entity.

Executive Director
Marva Griffiths Herman was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and has been involved with the Caribbean-American community for much of her life.  She became active again in the Caribbean-American community when she was approached by long time friend Dr. Claire Nelson of the Washington, DC-based Institute of Caribbean Studies to assist her with efforts to get the United States government to establish a National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

On February 14, 2006, the United States Senate passed the Concurrent Resolution establishing June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Herman spear-headed the successful Los Angeles grass roots campaign and the inaugural celebrations held on June 16, 2006 where the Los Angeles City Council presented a proclamation establishing June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Los Angeles. For 2007, she had successfully petitioned the state of California and the County of Los Angeles to issue similar proclamations.

This mother of two Jamericans is proud that her Anansi and Jamaican folklorist, the Hon. Louise Bennett, bedtime stories paid off when her younger son, David , garnered a spot on Bill Cosby's "Kids Says the Darndest Thing" with his toothless recital of Miss Lou's "Love Letta."