Front, Idly Galette, Marie Lourdes, and Emmline Dyer. Back, James Adius Pierre, Natasha, Andrins Reneaudin, and Natasha Robinson. Seth Daniel photo
The 223rd anniversary of Haitian Flag Day brought a crowd to Dorchester and Mattapan – and even Boston City Hall – for a long weekend of prime-time events to celebration Haitian American Heritage Month.
The centerpiece event was the 24th annual Haitian Unity Parade, put on by Haitian Americans United (HAU) on a sunny Sunday afternoon. With Mayor Michelle Wu, Councillor Ruthzee Louijeune, and Chief Marshall Dr. Yves Salomon Fernandez, president of The Urban College, at the head of the mass of revelers, the parade kicked off from Mattapan Square at 1 p.m.
Kwani Lunis, of NBC10 Boston, was the featured speaker.
“We are also proud this year to join our American brothers and sisters in celebrating their 250th anniversary of the United States of America, recognizing the shared values of liberty, perseverance, and hope that unites our communities,” said Dieufort ‘Pastor Keke’ Fleurissaint at the parade’s kickoff.
“As we march together today, let us celebrate our culture, our history, our unity and our future. May this parade continue to inspire hope, solidarity and empowerment for generations to come.”
The parade slowly moved up Blue Hill Avenue for several hours before arriving at Harambee Park at Franklin Field for a larger celebration.
Wilfort Pierre-Louis, of the Mattahunt School, proudly displayed the Haitian flag. Seth Daniel photo
Two days earlier, the Awards Breakfast and a ceremonial flag raising took place at City Hall with hundreds in attendance.
Hosted by Councillor Louijeune, the City Hall mezzanine was turned into an events space for music, dance, and the awards. Hosted by Valcin, the Toussaint Louverture Academy at the Mattahunt School sang Haitian cultural songs, while Karm Syndia Dance Studio performed traditional dance.
The featured speaker was Kwani Lunis, a NBC10 Boston host who shared how a dream to continue playing basketball led her to becoming a sports reporter in Boston – covering the Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins while also hosting her own show.
Marthe Theronieur, a long-time Dorchester resident who attends Sant Bel Vi Adult Day Center, sang the traditional song and national anthem of Haiti, ‘La Dessalinienne’ during the ceremonial Haitian flag raising on Friday. Theronieur has been civically active for years in Boston and, before that, in Haiti. Seth Daniel photo
“I’m proud to be another little Haitian with blood in the sports space,” she said. “We belong in these spaces even if we don’t feel generally represented. May the Haitian flag continue to rise every May.”
In addition to featuring Lunis, the theme for HAU’s celebration this year was ‘Celebrating Haitian Americans in Sports and Athletics.’ Those honored at the breakfast included Antonella Jade Achille (Division 1 runner and track coach), Steevenson Chanson (BINcA soccer team), Darlene Leslie Charles (personal trainer), Donnet Desilius (former Haitian National Soccer team captain), Moses Jean-Pierre (founder Hoops for Haiti), Hatim Jean-Louis (Division 1 runner and cross country coach), Alana Laforest (Boston Latin Academy volleyball MVP), Jerry Registe (BINcA soccer team captain), Frederick Richard (US Gymnastics medalist), and Nora Saint-Martin (strength coach, body builder).
The flag raising ceremony featured remarks from Regine Winza Etienne, consul general of Haiti in Boston, US Sen. Ed Markey, Mayor Wu, and many others.
“Haiti stands as living proof freedom can be seized and sustained against overwhelming odds,” said Markey (above). “It was a radical declaration that Black people would never accept chains as their destiny.”
Haitian American Heritage Month continues through the end of May.
Seth Daniel photos
From the Toussaint Louverture Academy, Miss Nicolas, Lane Sherley, Priscilla Joseph, Klarens Bien-Aime, and Yasmine Babio. Seth Daniel photo
Ann-Marie and Carl Richard, who accepted an award for their son, US Olympic medalist Frederick Richard. Seth Daniel photo
Singing in perfect harmony were Ava Louisville and Aya Etienne. Seth Daniel photo
Councillor Ruthzee Louijeune with her first-grade teacher, Miss Nicolas, and the choir from the Toussaint Louverture Academy at the Mattahunt. Seth Daniel photo
Karm-Syndia Augustin, of KS Entertainment, performed a traditional dance at City Hall. Seth Daniel photo
Boston Latin Academy volleyball standout Alana Laforest accepts an award from Councillor Louijeune. Seth Daniel photo
Awardees gathered in Celebrating Haitian Americans in Sports and Athletics. Seth Daniel photo
