ICS HOSTS TWO-DAY DOMESTIC POLICY FORUM ON EDUCATION, HEALTH, IMMIGRATION, ECONOMIC SECURITY, AND LEADERSHIP
Caribbean Americans to Examine Community Priorities Ahead of Congressional Legislative Forum
Washington, D.C. — As part of the 20th Anniversary observance of National Caribbean American Heritage Month (NCAHM), the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) will convene a two-day Domestic Policy Forum on June 8–9, 2026, bringing together educators, healthcare professionals, immigration advocates, entrepreneurs, community leaders, public officials, and Caribbean Americans from across the country to discuss issues affecting Caribbean American families and communities.
Held virtually and open to the public, the Forum will focus on strengthening community resilience, expanding economic opportunity, and identifying policy priorities that will inform discussions during the 28th Annual Legislative Policy Dialogue on Capitol Hill on June 10–11.
The Domestic Policy Forum is organized under the theme:
"Caribbean Americans: Strengthening Communities, Expanding Opportunity, Building Resilience"
"While much attention is rightly focused on U.S.–Caribbean foreign policy, it is equally important that we examine the issues affecting Caribbean Americans here at home," said Dr. Claire A. Nelson, Founder and President of the Institute of Caribbean Studies. "These conversations provide an opportunity for community members, experts, and advocates to share perspectives and help shape a forward-looking agenda for the future."
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:45 PM EDT
Education & Workforce Pathways
The opening session will explore educational attainment, workforce development, career mobility, STEM education, leadership development, and the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy shaped by technology and artificial intelligence.
Participants will discuss strategies to strengthen educational outcomes, improve workforce readiness, and expand opportunities for Caribbean American youth and professionals.
2:00 PM – 3:45 PM EDT
Health Care & Community Well-Being
This session will focus on issues affecting the health and well-being of Caribbean American communities, including healthcare access, mental health, aging populations, caregiving, public health resilience, and community-based support systems.
Panelists will examine both challenges and opportunities for improving health outcomes and strengthening community resilience.
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM EDT
Civic Engagement & Immigration Agenda
The final session of the day will examine immigration policy, visa pathways, family reunification, workforce mobility, citizenship pathways, voting participation, and civic engagement.
Participants will discuss emerging immigration issues affecting Caribbean Americans and identify opportunities for advocacy and policy engagement at the local, state, and federal levels.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
Economic Security
The first session on Tuesday will address issues related to Social Security, retirement security, affordable housing, wealth creation, financial resilience, and economic mobility.
The discussion will focus on strengthening economic security for Caribbean American individuals, families, seniors, and future generations.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Entrepreneurship & Doing Business with Local Government
Entrepreneurs, business leaders, procurement specialists, and economic development practitioners will discuss pathways for growing Caribbean American businesses through government contracting, supplier diversity initiatives, certifications, procurement opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
The session is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises better understand how to compete for and secure business opportunities within local government systems.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EDT
Intergenerational Leadership Roundtable
The Forum will conclude with a special dialogue focused on leadership across generations.
Emerging leaders, students, professionals, community advocates, educators, business leaders, and public servants will engage in a conversation about leadership, mentorship, civic responsibility, and the future of Caribbean American communities.
The session will explore how established and emerging leaders can work together to build stronger institutions and create new opportunities for future generations.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY AGENDA
Recommendations emerging from the Forum will help inform future advocacy efforts and contribute to broader conversations on education, workforce development, healthcare, immigration, economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, and civic participation.
The Domestic Policy Forum serves as a bridge between community priorities and public policy, ensuring that Caribbean American voices remain visible, engaged, and influential in shaping the future.
All Sessions Are Open to the Public.
Registration information and additional details are available through the Institute of Caribbean Studies.
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