“I know where I come from” – Maryland governor Wes Moore proudly embraces his Jamaican roots at Caribbean Heritage Festival |
BLADENSBURG, MARYLAND: Maryland governor Wes Moore joined hundreds of Caribbean nationals and supporters at the Caribbean Heritage Festival held at Bladensburg Waterfront Park last Saturday, celebrating the rich culture, contributions and enduring legacy of Caribbean people across the state.
The festival transformed the waterfront into a vibrant display of Caribbean pride, with attendees dressed in the colours of their respective nations as they enjoyed music, traditional cuisine and cultural performances. Representatives from across the Caribbean diaspora gathered for the annual celebration which highlights the region’s influence on Maryland’s social, cultural and economic landscape.
Addressing the large crowd, Governor Moore spoke proudly of his Caribbean roots, noting that his mother, Joy Thomas Moore, hails from the parish of Trelawny, Jamaica. “I know where I come from,” the governor said. “I am proud of my Jamaican heritage and proud of my Caribbean heritage”. Moore praised the resilience and determination of Caribbean people, describing them as individuals who refuse to back down in the face of challenges, and who continue to honour the sacrifices of previous generations.
The governor used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to protecting immigrant communities, safeguarding voting rights and expanding economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses throughout Maryland. He highlighted a recent Executive Order establishing a task force focused on protecting immigrant rights and ensuring that immigrant communities feel safe and welcomed across the state. “Maryland is not just a safe haven for Caribbean people,” Moore told the audience. “It is a place where everyone, regardless of their origin story, has an opportunity to grow, thrive and succeed.”
The governor also pointed to his administration’s efforts to expand opportunities for minority-owned businesses, noting that procurement reforms have helped direct billions of dollars in state contracts toward minority business enterprises, including many Caribbean-owned companies. Moore further emphasised the importance of preserving history and protecting access to knowledge, referencing legislation he signed to prevent book bans in Maryland schools and libraries. “We will not allow anyone to tell us that our history does not matter,” he said.
One of the highlights of the event came when the governor officially proclaimed June 2026 as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Maryland instead of August, drawing loud applause from the crowd. Standing alongside community leaders, elected officials and members of Maryland’s Caribbean Commission, Moore presented the proclamation recognisng the significant contributions which Caribbean Americans have made to the state’s growth and development. “June 2026 in the State of Maryland will be known as Caribbean American Heritage Month,” he declared.
The festival concluded on a celebratory note, with attendees enjoying cultural presentations and performances by Image Band, Proverbs Reggae Band, DJ Najair and Adrianna Jordan, a Chutney dancer.