Caribbean American Law Students

Celebrating Caribbean American Heritage: A Legacy of Culture and Contribution

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National Caribbean American Heritage Month (NCAHM) is a celebration of the history, culture, and impact of Caribbean Americans in the United States.  In 2024, UConn Law published a  previous blog post  which featured two UConn Law Students, Toni Ann Gayle and Farah Jean commenting on their experience as students from Jamaica and Haiti respectively.

This year, we focus on the history of this heritage month and travel back to 1999, when the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) took the lead in advocating for national recognition. That same year, history was made with the Caribbean American Community Briefing at the White House, hosted by the Clinton administration—a powerful moment of visibility and pride for the community.

In 2004, ICS launched an official campaign to designate June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. The movement gained traction quickly: the House of Representatives passed a bill in June 2005, followed by Senate approval in February 2006. Then, on June 5, 2006, President George W. Bush issued the first presidential proclamation, officially establishing the month-long celebration.

Since then, until this year, every June has been marked by presidential proclamations and nationwide observances that highlight the achievements, resilience, and diverse cultural heritage of Caribbean Americans. From music and food to politics, science, and the arts, this community continues to enrich the American story in countless ways.

There are several resources to assist with researching the area of Caribbean:

Available at UConn Law Library!

Image of book Legal Research Methods for English Speaking CaribbeanLegal research methods for the English-speaking Caribbean

Identifies the sources of legal information for the English-speaking Caribbean and provides unique coverage of the independent states and overseas territories in this jurisdiction with a shared history of British colonialism.

 

 

 

 

Transitions in Caribbean Law book coverTransitions in Caribbean law : law-making, constitutionalism and the convergence of national and international law

Traces Caribbean legal thought and its development across many areas of law. Issues of administrative, constitutional, corporate and commercial, international, and labour law are explored in the context of the analyses of the Privy Council, the transnational dimensions of law and within the purview of the intrusive role of international law in domestic law.

 

 

Online Resources

Yemisa Dina, Caribbean Law Research Globalex (Nov./Dec. 2024)

The Commonwealth Caribbean describes all Caribbean countries geographically located in the West Indies. The region is made up of dependent and independent states. Caribbean legal literature has evolved rapidly in the last decade. This guide provides information on available resources for conducting legal research for the following English-speaking Caribbean countries: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, and Turks & Caicos.

Guide to Law Online: Nations of the World

Links to free online legal materials & pertinent resources in the LOC catalog, pick your country of research.

Caribbean Law Project – Common LII

The Caribbean Law Project is a free‐access resource that makes it easier to find legal information from all Caribbean jurisdictions. Located on the Commonwealth Legal Information Institute (CommonLII), operated by AustLII in conjunction with other free access Legal Information Institutes across the Commonwealth. The Project covers 16 countries and British Territories.

Caribbean-American Heritage Month  Official 2025 Book List

Book Bankra – List of thirty books released between 2023 and 2025; Caribbean literature written by Caribbean-connected authors with Caribbean themes. The list includes literary work, horror, mystery, romance, poetry, non-fiction, children, all in one.

As we celebrate this month, we honor the legacy of those who made it possible—and look forward to a future shaped by the vibrant Caribbean American spirit.

Map of Caribbean
United States Central Intelligence Agency. Central America and the Caribbean. [Washington, D.C.: Central Intelligence Agency, 1990] Map. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/90683938/>.

 

Voices of Heritage: Celebrating Caribbean American Law Students

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As we commemorate Caribbean American Heritage Month, it’s a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vibrant contributions and unique perspectives of Caribbean American law students at UConn Law. This month is not only a celebration of culture and heritage but also a recognition of the invaluable impact that Caribbean American students bring to the legal profession. Toni-Ann Gayle and Farah Jean are both rising 3L’s who share their reflections and experiences, shedding light on what it means to balance their rich cultural heritage with the pursuit of legal excellence.

Photo of Toni-Ann Gayle, UConn Law Student of Jamaican Descent
Toni-Ann Gayle, UConn Law Student

Toni-Ann Gayle notes the rich tapestry of her Jamaican heritage and how this month serves as a reminder of her heritage and the legacies she carries forward:

As a Jamaican law student, who migrated to the U.S. in 2015, I am privileged to be equipped with both the resources to fight against adversity, and the lived experiences to remind me why there is so much work to be done.  In Connecticut in particular, the largest group of foreign-born immigrants are from Jamaica! As the Jamaican proverb goes “wi likkle, but wi tallawah.” (Roughly translated to “though we are small, we are mighty”) Our presence in the state is evidenced by the fact that our food, music, and culture are always in earshot and can be enjoyed by all. Of course, in the legal system, this also means that there is always more to be done on our part to ensure that there is fair, accessible representation for the Jamaicans who now call this wonderful state their home. I hope to use my law degree to continue being a resource not only for my community, but for every group for which there is not enough representation in the legal field. I am blessed to have experienced growing up in a culture where advocating for justice was the norm. I will keep that lesson steadfast in my legal career.

 

 

Farah Jean reflects on how her Haitian heritage has shaped her experience, perspectives, and aspirations at UConn Law:

Photo of Farah Jean, UConn Law Student.
Farah Jean, UConn Law Student

Being Haitian and living in a foreign country has made me acutely aware of how much of the world remains unknown. Throughout law school, I have always been proud to answer the question, ‘Where are you from?’ because I know that Haiti is a country I will always represent, despite its ups and downs. While there is still a long way to go, earning my JD is a significant step toward my goal of giving back to my country in the future. I am thrilled to see Caribbean heritage being celebrated, recognizing the many contributions of Caribbean people in the United States and beyond. People with Caribbean heritage have always been a powerful force, leading the way in making meaningful change.

 

This month, let us celebrate the rich tapestry of Caribbean cultures and the invaluable contributions of our law students to UConn Law, the legal profession and society at large.