A day of pride for Boston Haitians

Serghino René

In celebration of the 203rd anniversary of the their flag, Haitians young and old gathered in City Hall Plaza last Thursday for Haitian-Americans United’s (HAU) 11th annual flag raising ceremony. The celebration continued three days later, drawing a large crowd of Haitians from the Boston area to the sixth annual HAU parade. The procession began on Blue Hill Ave. in Mattapan Square and made its way to Talbot Ave.

“It’s important we celebrate our Haitian heritage,” said state Representative Linda Dorcena Forry. A first-generation American, Forry said it was important for young people to speak the Haitian language of Kreyol as a way of keeping the culture alive.

Using the common Kreyol salutation “Kijan ou ye?” (“How are you?”), Department of Neighborhood Development director Charlotte Golar Richie greeted an excited crowd of Haitians dressed in red, blue and white.

Members of the Boston Council included Michael Flaherty, Rob Consalvo, Stephen Murphy and Charles Yancey.

The Haitian Revolution is considered the first and most successful slave rebellion in the Western Hemisphere. On May 18, 1803, Catherine Flon first sewed the bi-colors of blue and red that so many Haitians today associate with liberty, equality and fraternity.

The flag represents freedom from slavery — the red symbolizing the blood of the Haitian Revolution’s heroes, and the blue symbolizing the hope and unity of the Haitian people.

The annual event highlights Haitian culture in Boston by providing a better understanding and visual representation, as well as building community strength and solidarity.

“Our culture represents who we are and where we go,” said HAU chairman Dr. Eno Mondesir. “It’s important that our young people know where they are and where they come from. How can they be proud Americans if they can’t be proud Haitians?”

Haitians were not only commemorating their flag, but also celebrating the fresh new start at democracy signaled by the May 14 inauguration of René Preval as the nation’s president. Haitians in Boston hope that this will be the beginning of peace in their country.

Magaret Preval, a 10-year resident of Boston, emigrated from Haiti in 1970 and is excited that the president has finally taken his position.

“This is very important because he represents us and who we are,” said Preval. “Haiti will revive!”

“This is a historic event,” said Jean-Joseph of Somerville. “We have to work together to be in control and be self-efficient. We want to build a nation that is strong culturally and socioeconomically.”