Overview:
The Boston Metropolis Council formally acknowledged Could as Haitian Heritage Month and Could 18 as Haitian Flag Day by a decision led by Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune and supported by councilors Brian Worrell and Enrique Pepén. The measure honors Haiti’s position as the primary free Black republic and acknowledges the affect of Haitian communities throughout Boston.
Haitian Individuals throughout an indication on the JFK Federal Constructing in Boston on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. Members of Boston’s sizable Haitian neighborhood staged a protest exterior the Federal constructing to denounce the mistreatment of Haitian migrants on the border with Mexico. (AP Picture/Josh Reynolds)
BOSTON — The Boston Metropolis Council has formally acknowledged Could as Haitian Heritage Month and Could 18 as Haitian Flag Day, passing a decision honoring Haiti’s historical past and the rising contributions of Haitian and Haitian American communities throughout town.
Launched by Metropolis Councilor Brian Worrell and Councilor Enrique Pepén and led by Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, the resolution was adopted Could 14, forward of a number of commemoration occasions deliberate all through Boston. It acknowledges Haiti because the world’s first free Black republic and the one nation based by a profitable slave revolt. Councilors additionally spotlight the significance of the Haitian flag — created on Could 18, 1803 — as an emblem of unity, delight and resistance.
Boston leaders mentioned the decision additionally displays the affect of Haitian communities in neighborhoods comparable to Mattapan and Dorchester, the place Haitian tradition has lengthy formed native companies, church buildings, colleges and civic life.
Council members are encouraging residents to attend Haitian Heritage Month celebrations throughout town, together with the flag-raising ceremony at Boston City Hall Plaza and the annual Haitian Flag Day parade by Mattapan and Dorchester on Could 17.
Officers mentioned the popularity serves each as a celebration of Haitian tradition and a reminder of the resilience of Haitian communities in Boston and past.
Officers additionally pointed to moments of Haitian delight and visibility in sports activities and tradition, together with help for Haiti’s nationwide soccer crew, Haiti nationwide soccer crew, and Haitian-themed occasions deliberate at Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium throughout the month.