Chicago latest major US city to designate Haitian Heritage Month 

In 2021, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance renaming the historic Lake Shore Drive to Jean Baptiste Point Du Sable Drive, the 1780s’ trader widely recognized as Chicago’s founder and believed to be of Haitian descent. On Wednesday, the city extended its recognition of the Haitian presence and contributions to the Windy City by adopting a resolution designating May as Haitian American Heritage Month (HAHM). 

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, the City Council and numerous community leaders say the resolution is intended to celebrate the culture, legacy and ongoing contributions of Haitian immigrants and individuals of Haitian descent to the Chicagoland Area. 

“Today, we continue to acknowledge and elevate the contributions of Haitian Americans in our city through this resolution,” Johnson said. “This community enriches our neighborhoods, schools, local government and businesses. It’s what makes Chicago a truly vibrant place.”

Alderman Yancy, of Haitian descent, was the chief sponsor of the resolution, which was supported by Alderman David Moore. Moore co-sponsored Lake Shore Drive’s renaming with former Alderwoman Sophia King three years ago. 

Richness of Haitian culture deeply rooted in city

Representatives from numerous leading Haitian American organizations, business and political leaders, clergy and other key community figures celebrated the designation.

“I am proud to join civic and community leaders in recognizing the meaningful contributions of the Haitian-American community to Chicago’s history and culture,” rejoiced Cyndee Montes Newman, executive director of Daughters of Haiti.

Marleen Julien, founder and CEO of Creole Solutions, said she felt immense pride. 

“As a member of the Haitian community in Chicago, I see this recognition as a powerful call to action,” she told The Haitian Times. “We must seize this chance to launch initiatives that educate and celebrate our heritage, showcasing Haiti’s strengths and achievements by promoting a positive image and uplifting image of our cultural identity.”

Daniel Jean, Jr., president of the Haitian American Professional Network (HAPN), contextualized the designation within Black history.

 “We believe that this moment is a celebration for all of Chicago as it also honors Black history,” Jean said. “This celebration is one of the most effective ways to unite the city and foster collaboration among Chicago’s diverse communities that make up this great city.”

Sign of progress, reward for Haitian American community

While many major cities across the U.S. have officially recognized and long been celebrating May as Haitian Heritage Month, Chicago has waited longer. May is the chosen month because May 18, Haitian Flag Day, is commemorated with parades and cultural events honoring the ‘Pearl of the Antilles.’

Patrick Brutus, co-chair of the Next Gen Committee under the Coalition of Haitian American Organizations in Chicago, said the resolution comes at exactly the right time for the community. It marks efforts underway to enhance the profile of the Haitian American community in politics, policy, culture, education, commerce and more over the past 25 years, he told The Haitian Times via email.

“Our resilience in working towards this and other objectives proves that point,” Brutus said. “Heritage Month in Chicago underscores that there is no Chicago without the Haitian community.”

Anastasie Senat, President of the Haitian American Lawyers Association of Illinois, said the resolution also highlights the plight of Haitian immigrants who have arrived in our area. “Recognizing them and our culture embodies the spirit of Chicago as a welcoming city and reinforces our goals to make it an even better, stronger and safer place,” she said.

The Coalition of Haitian American Organizations, for its part, emphasized its role in building a bridge where organizations, businesses and professionals can collaborate and improve the quality of life for Haitians in Chicago and abroad, particularly in Haiti.

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