The month of May carries distinctive dates that are important to Haitians and people of Haitian descent. As a result, Haitian Heritage Month has been celebrated in Massachusetts since 1999 and in Florida since 2000. Wherever you are, we urge you to celebrate it as well.
As a long time supporter of H.A.U. and its Haitian Heritage Month celebrations, Massachusetts State Representative Marie St. Fleur comments, "I've been involved with H.A.U. since its inception and I am truly excited to once again lend my support to help make these events successful."
Key Dates to Remember During Haitian Heritage Month:
May 1st Labor and Agriculture Day.
May 15-18, 1803 Traditional rivals Jean-Jacques Dessalines, leader of the blacks and Alexandre Petion, leader of the mulattos met in the city of Arcahaie and agreed to fight as a united front against Napoleon Bonaparte's colonial army. This pact sealed the fate of the French rule in Haiti and led to the creation of the first Black Republic in the world in 1804.
May 18, 1803 Creation of the official blue and red Haitian flag by the Haitian leaders at the end of the congress of Arcahaie.
May 20, 1743 Haitian General Toussaint Louverture, later known as the first of the Blacks, was born. Between 1771 and 1803, he successfully initiated the first organized large-scale military battles against the Spanish, British and French armies. Although he was ultimately captured in an ambush and died in France, his vision and actions paved the way for his generals to successfully lead the country to independence.
Last Sunday of May Haitian Mother's Day Celebration.
Copyright 2007- Haitian-Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) All rights reserved.
