Marva Griffiths Herman

Marva Griffiths Herman was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and has been involved with the Caribbean-American community for much of her life.  Most recently, 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 15, 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 has successfully petitioned the state of California and the County of Los Angeles to issue similar proclamations.  These will be presented at the June 15, 2007 one-year anniversary gala.

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."