On Thursday, May 5, 2022, the New York State Assembly passed a resolution that formally designated May as Haitian Heritage Month statewide.
“The designation of Haitian Heritage Month commemorates the heart and the souls of the people of Haiti here in New York, and our home country, the Island of Haiti, the first Black Republic,” says Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn who introduced the resolution cosponsored by 15 members of the Assembly.
Since May 1998, as an expansion of the Haitian flag day, Haitian Heritage Month has been celebrated throughout the United States to highlight the Haitian rich culture, art, cuisine, history, and the Haitian community contribution.
This year marks the 219th anniversary of the creation of the Haitian flag on May 18, 1803. Haiti became the first Black Republic in the world after a slave rebellion led to its independence by defeating the French army.
The United States is home to Haiti’s most important Haitian diaspora in numbers and remittances sent to Haiti. Florida and New York are the two states with the highest concentration of Haitians. According to the United States Census Bureau, before the deadly earthquake in 2010, an estimated 830,000 people of Haitian ancestry were living in the United States. 55,000 Haitian immigrants were granted Temporary Protected Status. In 2020, the Haitian diaspora sent 3.8 billion dollars in remittances to Haiti. 76% of these transfers came from the United States.
Also Read: The History of AAPI Heritage Month and Where to Celebrate in New York
Here is a list of Haitian Heritage Month’s events across New York:
Fridays May 13, May 20 and May 27: artist Okai Mizik will perform at Grand Champs restaurant from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Location: 197 Patchen Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233
Sundays May 15, May 22 and May 29: Buyu Ambroise & The Blues In Red Band will have their shows at Zanmi Restaurant from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Location: 1206 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Thursday, May 12 (6 – 10 pm): DJ Serge Negri will perform at Drink Lounge.
Location: 768 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Saturday, May 14: Life of Hope launches the Haitian Cultural Day in Brooklyn’s Little Haiti.
A street parade will kick off at 10 am on Nostrand and Church Avenue. Famous Haitian singers Alan Cavé, Phylissia Ross, King Kino, DJ Esalar, and many others will perform from 12 pm to 6 pm.
Tuesday, May 17 (5 – 9 pm): The Prospect Park Audubon Center will host The Flag Day Selebrasyon (celebration).
Location: 101 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Wednesday, May 18 (12 pm – 6 pm): Haitian Americans United for Progress holds a “super day of action.”
Location: 209-05 Jamaica Ave Queens, NY 11428
Wednesday, May 18 (7 – 8 pm): Haitian artists Riva and Monvelyno will perform at Rebel Restaurant in Manhattan.
Location: 29 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
Saturday, May 21 (2 – 8 pm): 2nd Oh My Guideness Travel Pop Up Shop Event Haitian Owned Businesses Edition
Location: Valencias Eventspace, 5407 Flatlands Avenue, Brooklyn, United States
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May 28, (7 pm): Haitian Diaspora United for Haiti gathers the legendary Haitian band L’orchestre Tropicana and Bethova Obas for a live performance at a gala dinner at Garden City Casino. Tribute will be paid to Haitian female singer Carole Demesmin.
Price: $150 until May 12 and $200 after
Location: 51 Cathedral Avenue. Garden City, NY 11530
You can visit Haiti Cultural Exchange for more events to come. You can also check their Instagram account here.
