Haitian History 101

 Haitian Heritage Month is an expansion of Haitian Flag Day — a major patriotic celebration both in Haiti and throughout the diaspora. The month of May honors Haiti’s rich culture and serves as a time for Haitians worldwide to celebrate, reflect, and raise awareness of their heritage.

May holds deep historical and cultural significance for the Haitian people. It commemorates important events and traditions that Haitians proudly share and pass on to future generations. One of the most defining moments remembered in May is the 1803 Congress of Arcahaie, where Black and Mulatto officers united to sign a historic pact. This unity led to the creation of the Haitian Flag on May 18, 1803 — under which they expelled the French army and established Haiti as the first Black independent nation on January 1, 1804.

The celebration of Haitian Heritage Month in the U.S. dates back to the early 1990s in cities such as Boston, MA, parts of Connecticut, and Florida. Boston has long observed the entire month of May with lectures, flag raisings, exhibits, and cultural programs in collaboration with several Haitian organizations throughout New England.

In Palm Beach County, Florida, the Heritage Month celebration began in 2001 and played a vital role in making it the first statewide Haitian Heritage Month observance. In 2005, following advocacy efforts, President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush sent a letter of congratulations to the Haitian-American community and hosted a celebration at the White House that same year.

Since 2008, the celebration has continued to grow nationally, with more states and cities organizing parades, festivals, school programs, and ceremonial flag raisings throughout May.

The Haitian American Collaborative has proudly celebrated Haitian Heritage Month for decades, with a calendar full of activities — including festivals, art shows, flag raisings, and parades — often in partnership with other organizations committed to uplifting Haitian culture.

Let us celebrate our heritage with pride and dignity, promoting unity despite our differences. Our legacy holds immense value for the Haitian people and other ethnic groups within the Caribbean and beyond. As scholar Dr. Jacob Carruthers once noted, Haiti was the "Irritated Genie" that avenged the atrocities committed against all African people.

Former Haitian President Dumarsais Estimé encouraged the annual celebration of Haitian Flag Day (May 18) to inspire patriotic pride among Haitian youth.

Over the years, numerous U.S. governors, state senators, representatives, mayors, and city councilors have issued proclamations and citations in honor of Haitian Heritage Month.

In Haiti, the month of May is rich with observances:

• May 1 – Labor and Agriculture Day
   
• May 2 – Formerly celebrated as Flower Day
   
• May 15–18 – Commemoration of the Congress of Arcahaie
   
• May 17 – Teacher’s Day
   
• May 18 – University Day and Haitian Flag Day
   
• May 20 – Birth of revolutionary hero Toussaint Louverture (1743)
   
• Last Sunday of May – Mother’s Day
   

Today, Haitian history is celebrated globally. Flag Day weekend is especially festive in Florida, where Kompa Fest has thrived for over 40 years. Other states — including Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Georgia — continue to host annual parades and cultural events in honor of Haiti’s contributions and resilience.