A guide to Haitian Heritage Month in Union County, New Jersey

Union County, New Jersey, home to a growing Haitian American population, will mark Haitian Heritage Month this May with a series of public events honoring Haiti’s history, culture and contributions to local civic life.

The monthlong celebration began with a Haitian Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony on May 1 inside the Union County Courthouse in Elizabeth, a city about 15 miles southwest of New York City. The ceremony formally opened the county’s observance of the month. Additional flag raisings are scheduled throughout May in municipalities across Union County, including Union, Linden, Rahway, Roselle, Hillside, Elizabeth and Plainfield. 

The county is also hosting a Haitian Heritage Month exhibit at the Commissioners’ Gallery, highlighting Haitian history and culture through materials from local contributors and community partners. The exhibit features work from Roberto Benoit, Rolande Fabien, Tamar Antoine, Patrick Joseph and Paul Chinnery. 

Organizers say the display is intended to honor Haitian leaders, artists and community members whose influence extends both within New Jersey and across the broader Haitian Diaspora.

Families can also request a special-edition Haitian Heritage Month coloring book. A limited number of printed copies are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

For those planning to attend, flag raisings and public events will take place across Union County throughout the month:

Event schedule in Union County, New Jersey

• May 5, 5-6 p.m. — Flag raising in Union.
• May 9, 3-7 p.m. — Flag raising in Linden.
• May 12, 5-6 p.m. — Flag raising in Rahway.
• May 13, 4-5 p.m. — Flag raising in Roselle.
• May 18, 4-6 p.m. — Flag raising in Hillside.
• May 19, 4-6 p.m. — Flag raising in Elizabeth.
• May 20, 6-7 p.m. — Flag raising in Plainfield.

Organizers recommend confirming dates, times and locations with event contacts before attending.

To request a coloring book from the county, email the community engagement and diversity coordinator. Residents interested in volunteering or learning more about upcoming programming can learn more here. 

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