By Daniel Smith
All over the world, the identity of any society is attributed to the systems of practise and institutions that brings about organisation amongst the people. These include: religious, political, economic, educational and socio-cultural institutions which are basic to the proper functioning of contemporary societies. These are powerful social forces that shape human social structures and impact social interaction in our everyday lives.
Among all but not limited to the above listed institutions available in any human society, the socio-cultural institution is one of the most important aspects of human life as it can affect the well-being of the people in the society. To this end, the need to celebrate one’s cultural tradition cannot be overemphasised. This brings to the fore, the month of Haitian Heritage celebration.
Haitian Heritage is an annual event celebrated during the month of May. The significance or purpose of this event is to embrace or immortalize Haitian heritage and culture by:
- raising awareness and understanding about Haitian culture and traditions
- strengthening the self-esteem and ethnic pride of Haitian and Haitian-American youth
- celebrating Haitian achievements across the globe.
Haitian Heritage Month is a nationally recognized event and an opportunity for individuals including Haitians and lovers of the Haitian culture to celebrate the rich culture, distinctive art, delicious food and learn the traditions of Haiti and its people. By extension, Haitian Heritage month is an event of celebration in the United States of Haitian heritage and culture. It should be noted that this event was first celebrated in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1998. Tele Kreyol, one of the Boston Haitian Access Television programs, celebrated the whole 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 organized by Haitian-Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) in collaboration with several Haitian organizations in the New England area.
Historically, The Haitian community of Palm Beach County, Florida which started the Heritage celebration in 2001, contributed greatly to make the Heritage Month first a state wide celebration, and then, a national one in the United States. South Florida congressman Kendrick B. Meek introduced unsuccessfully a bill in the United States House of Representatives in 2004 and 2006 to recognize the month of May as Haitian-American Heritage Month in the United States. President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush sent a letter in May 2005 to congratulate the Haitian-American community for the heritage month and organized a celebration at the White House the same year.
Since 1998, several governors, members of state senates and houses of representatives, mayors and city councillors have issued annual citations and proclamations, recognizing the Haitian Heritage Month celebration in their states or cities. The celebration is an expansion of the Haitian Flag Day on May 18th, a major patriotic day celebration in Haiti and the Diaspora created to encourage patriotism. Haitian President Dumarsais Estimé started the Flag Day celebration with parades, cultural and athletic events in many cities in Haiti in the 1930s, when he was minister of education under President Sténio Vincent. Estime wanted to commemorate annually the creation of the Haitian flag on May 18 to encourage the development of patriotic sentiments among Haitian youth. Beside the Flag Day celebration, the month of May carries a number of significant historical and cultural traditions that Haitians are proud to make aware of and to pass on to future generations.
In Haiti, May 1 is celebrated as Labour 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 from May 15 through 18. Teacher’s Day is May 17, University Day May 18, and Mother’s Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of May. For Haitian Catholics, May is the month of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Haitian Flag Day is at the centre of Haitian Heritage Month on May 18th each year. It was coined as an official commemoration to the fallen soldiers who helped the United States and many other Western colonized countries gain their freedom and independence. The Artist Known as Koolkat whose debut song called “Zoe Flag” hit the charts in 2019 honoured the celebration officially. Koolkat who is from South Florida, the most populated Haitian communities in the U.S, cited in a radio interview how Kodak Black, Wyclef, Pras, and Tony Yayo are only a few of Haitian artists who are making a mark in the entertainment industry.
The Models, actors, athletes, writers and innovators of all industries are proud to contribute greatness around the world to continue a legacy of freedom fighters and justice for all. In the song “Zoe Flag” Koolkat portrays Haitians to be resilient and rich regardless of financial situations by stating “They know my style they know my island got a history. When drama comes we overcome it with a victory”. The Haitian pride is one that is not understood so artists and other leaders support and contribute towards Haitian Heritage month so that the story may live on.
HAPPENING LIVE AT THE LITTLE HAITI CULTURAL CENTER – HAITI
Recalled that the Haitian community of Palm Beach County, Florida started the Heritage celebration in 2001. Thus, this year marks the 21st edition of the Haitian Heritage celebration in Miami-Dade County. This year’s event is happening live at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, a place where the Haitian community usually gather for community celebration events. There are lots of programs/events lined up for this year’s Heritage Celebration.
According to Ms. Sandy Dorsainvil, the executive director of Little Haiti Cultural Center, ‘’this year’s event has been wonderful so far. People came out en masse to our center to enjoy the Haitian Heritage event with joy and jubilation on their faces. Unlike last year when covid-19 pandemic prevented people from participating. So far, we have experienced: The Caribbean market day, Heritage month celebration, Souke ko ou: little Haiti gift and Creole culinary classics cook off. Other events still on the line up for this month’s celebration include: virtual artist talk, pale kreyoli! /speak kreyoli! (learn the basics of Haitian kreyol), Haitian Heritage brunch and awards, Haitian flag day celebration, sounds of little Haiti 7th anniversary, conversation with Haitian American professional coalition (HAPC) and Creole culinary classic.’’
Haiti as a community is borne out of a multicultural background. Haitians are so sensitive and cautious about their culture, and as such wouldn’t want to tolerate any form of internal or external infringement on their culture. This manner of orientation and those mentioned earlier have really helped the Haitian community in contributing immensely to their cultural heritage. Asides this, the Haitian Heritage celebration is a big event which help unit prominent Haitian in diaspora, and giving them a sense of belonging. To this end, the nature of events that surrounds the introduction or characterised this one month-long celebration/event made the local Miami-Dade County government to keep celebrating this cultural tradition.
Photo credit MC Image Productions/Miami Times : Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava presents a proclamation to Sandy Dorsainvil, manager of the Little Haiti Cultural Center.