Haitian History 101

 Haitian Heritage Month celebration is an expansion of Haitian Flag Day, a major patriotic day celebration in Haiti and the Diaspora. May is to celebrate the rich culture and for Haitians worldwide to enrich and spread awareness. The month of May carries several significant historical and cultural traditions that Haitians are proud to make aware of and to pass on to future generations—reference our calendar for a list of the historical dates and explanations per day. It was coined as an official commemoration of the fallen soldiers who helped the United States and many other Western colonized countries gain their freedom and independence. May reminds Haitians of the historic pact signed by the Black and Mulatto officers at the May 1803 congress. As a result, those officers created the Haitian Flag on the last day of the congress, on May 18, 1803. And, under that flag, they fought and expelled the French army, so Haiti became the first Black independent country in the world on January 1st, 1804. 

It was documented to be celebrated in the U.S. in the early 1990s in Boston, MA, Connecticut, and Florida. Since then, many other locations around the U.S. have celebrated the raising of the Haitian flag in honor of the culture. Boston has respectfully celebrated the entire month of May with a series of programs on Haitian history, culture, and contributions to the world. The month-long celebration has continued with such activities as parades, flag raisings, and exhibits in collaboration with several Haitian organizations in the New England area. 

The Haitian community of Palm Beach County, Florida, which started the Heritage celebration in 2001, contributed significantly to making Heritage Month the first statewide celebration. After a serious attempt to get recognized nationally, Former President George W. Bush and his wife sent a letter in May 2005 to congratulate the Haitian American community for heritage month. In addition, they organized a celebration at the White House the same year.

Since 2008, there's been an increase in the different states that Haitian Heritage Month/Flag Day is celebrated with parades, festivals, school activities, and flag-raising ceremonies across the U.S., and it is continuing to grow.

The Haitian American Collaborative has been celebrating Haitian Heritage Month for many decades. Celebrating with a calendar of festivities, Flag raisings, parades, festivals, and art shows to name a few, and in collaboration with other organizations in hopes of pushing the culture.

Let us celebrate our heritage with pride and dignity regardless of our differences to promote and share our culture. Our legacy is significant for all other ethnic groups and us within the Caribbean community in the United States and worldwide. As Dr. Carruthers stated, Haitian was the “Irritated Genie” that avenged the atrocities committed against all African people. 

Former President Estime wanted to commemorate annually the creation of the Haitian Flag Day on May 18 to encourage the development of patriotic sentiments among Haitian youth. 

Since the '90s, several governors, members of state senates and house representatives, mayors, and city councilors have issued annual citations and proclamations recognizing the Haitian Heritage Month celebration in their states &/or cities.

In Haiti, May 1 is celebrated as Labor and Agriculture Day. May 2 used to be Flower Day. The Congress of Arcahaie that united black and mulatto officers to fight together for Haiti's independence is remembered from May 15 through 18. The revolutionary general, Toussaint Louverture, was born on May 20, 1743. Teacher's Day is May 17, University Day is May 18, and Mother's Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of May.   

Now we celebrate Ayiti's history worldwide; one of the favorite traditions during Flag weekend down in Florida is Kompa Fest, 40 years and counting. Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Illinois & Georgia with annual parades and festivities to acknowledge the culture and be recognized by City officials.