ABOUT THE INSTITUTE OF CARIBBEAN STUDIES

The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established in 1993 dedicated education, advocacy and action on issues that impact on Caribbean â€“Americans. The purpose of the Institute is to provide a forum for the public and private sector, the non-government organization community, scholars and others interested in promoting a dialogue; and assist in the execution of actions that result from that dialogue.

HISTORY

The Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) is a non-partisan, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization established in 1993 dedicated education, advocacy and action on issues that impact on Caribbean -Americans. The purpose of the Institute is to provide a forum for the public and private sector, the non-government organization community, scholars and others interested in promoting a dialogue; and assist in the execution of actions that result from that dialogue.

Since its inception, ICS has been on the forefront of the challenge to bring attention to the issues of critical importance to the Caribbean American community, which numbers over 10 million. ICS represents an important role in history as the first Caribbean-American community organization in the Washington DC area devoted to the successful inclusion of Caribbean-Americans in US policy making, and the economic development of the Caribbean region. ICS location in Washington DC makes it an ideal interlocutor, advocate and intermediary between the US government, multilateral agencies, the private sector, Caribbean-American communities, and Caribbean governments.

MISSION

ICS has established and will continue to develop partnerships and collaborative relationships with local and national organizations in the US and the Caribbean, such as National Medical Association, National Minority Suppliers Development Council, the NAACP, the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Education Association; Global Rights Law Group, World Bank/IMF Caribbean Staff Association, Caribbean Research Center, and the Caribbean Policy Development Center to meet its objectives. ICS is also a member of the Black Leadership Forum, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the African American Unity Caucus.

ICS is dedicated to building bridges between Caribbean Americans and the US population at large. Together with partner organizations from industry, government and civil society, we have made the Institute of Caribbean Studies, the leading Caribbean American organization in the nation's capital. Our objective is to provide our partners with solutions to the challenges they face, that will enable their survival, growth, and prosperity in the ever changing global marketplace, by providing world class research and action that supports their missions.

HIGHLIGHTS/Timeline

The Institute's activities include workshops, seminars, symposia, and conferences. A selected listing of our exemplary accomplishments includes:

2008 Chair, Caribbean American Complete Count Committee, US 2010 Census

2007 Convenor, Caribbean Futures Forum

2006 Chair, Inaugural Commemoration of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month
Lead Advocate & Chair, Committee for White House Briefing & Reception

2005 Chair, Campaign for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month
Launch DC Caribbean Literary Festival
Launch 'WomanLEAD' Leadership and Empowerment Training Program, Jamaica
ICS lauded by Congressman Rangel in the Congressional Register

2004 Help Draft House Resolution 570 to declare National Caribbean American Heritage Month
Chair, Official Campaign for June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month

2003 Launch Caribbean Congressional Summer Internship Fellowship Program
Caribbean American Leadership Dialogue with Minister of State, Hon. Floyd Morris, Jamaica

2002 Support, Arts Empowerment Summer Camp, Operation Restoration, Kingston, Jamaica
CBC Friends of the Caribbean Appreciation Lunch, with Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis
Moderate CBC Caribbean Brain Trust

2001 Organize Public Briefings of CARICOM Secretary General in Washington DC
Production of 30 second Television PSA in support of the UNWCAR
First Annual DC Caribbean Film Festival
Support for Caribbean Brain Trust at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Conference
Spearhead Promotion of June as Caribbean Heritage Month in Washington D.C.
Caribbean American Leadership Dialogue, International Monetary Fund

2000 Caribbean-American Leadership Dialogue, World Bank
Participation in Bellagio Consultation on UN World Conference Against Racism (UNWCAR)
Launch Promotion of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month

1999 Launch first US/Caribbean Legislative Forum, Capitol Hill
Lead Advocate, first White House Briefing on Caribbean American Issues

1998 Health Sector Lunch Symposium with Ministers of Health
Organize Private Visit of Prime Minister of St. Lucia to Washington D.C.

1997 Agribusiness Taskforce/Historically Black College & Universities Visit to

1996 Participation in Caribbean Brain Trust at Congressional Black Caucus Legislative Conference
Video Documentary on the Caribbean community in Montgomery County, Maryland
Represent Caribbean Diaspora at CARICOM Heads of Government Conference
Organize Educational Seminar for Chaconia Mutual Fund
Organize Private Visit of Prime Minister of Barbados to Washington DC

1995 Caribbean Pavilion at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Legislative Conference

1994 Support Young Technocrats Summer Camp in Jamaica
Symposium on Economic Development with Caribbean Ministers of Finance
Launch Caribbean American Heritage Awards (CARAH) Gala

1993 Founded, March 1993

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