Boston City Council passes resolution honoring Haitian Heritage Month

Haitian Americans during a demonstration at the JFK Federal Building in Boston on Friday, Sept. 24, 2021. Members of Boston’s sizable Haitian community staged a protest outside the Federal building to denounce the mistreatment of Haitian migrants at the border with Mexico. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)

BOSTON — The Boston City Council has officially recognized May as Haitian Heritage Month and May 18 as Haitian Flag Day, passing a resolution honoring Haiti’s history and the growing contributions of Haitian and Haitian American communities across the city.

Introduced by City Councilor Brian Worrell and Councilor Enrique Pepén and led by Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, the resolution was adopted May 14, ahead of several commemoration events planned throughout Boston. It recognizes Haiti as the world’s first free Black republic and the only nation founded through a successful slave revolt. Councilors also highlight the importance of the Haitian flag — created on May 18, 1803 — as a symbol of unity, pride and resistance.

Boston leaders said the resolution also reflects the influence of Haitian communities in neighborhoods such as Mattapan and Dorchester, where Haitian culture has long shaped local businesses, churches, schools and civic life.

Council members are encouraging residents to attend Haitian Heritage Month celebrations across the city, including the flag-raising ceremony at Boston City Hall Plaza and the annual Haitian Flag Day parade through Mattapan and Dorchester on May 17.

Officials said the recognition serves both as a celebration of Haitian culture and a reminder of the resilience of Haitian communities in Boston and beyond.

Officials also pointed to moments of Haitian pride and visibility in sports and culture, including support for Haiti’s national soccer team, Haiti national football team, and Haitian-themed events planned at Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium during the month.

The post Boston City Council passes resolution honoring Haitian Heritage Month appeared first on The Haitian Times.