Statement of Representative Marie St. Fleur, 5th Suffolk District

Congratulations on the celebration of the 7th Annual Haitian Parade in celebration of Haitian Heritage Month.  The parade celebrates the best of Haitian history and culture and embraces the uniqueness of the Haitian-American experience in Massachusetts.

Through the music of the marching bands and the design of the costumes and floats, Haitian-American youth are connected to a past, which their parents and grandparents revere, and are provided an indubitable attachment to their place of importance in the African experience.

I extend my congratulations and appreciation to the members of HAU for their tenacity.  As we enter this 7th annual celebration of Haitian Heritage month in this great Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and I mark the beginning of my 8th year as a state representative, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to issue a call to action to the Haitian and Haitian American communities here in Massachusetts.

Recent events in our state and in our country tell us that the lives of all immigrants and refugees are under a glaring spotlight.  What is also quite evident is that in some instances, the treatment of refugees from Haiti is quite different than those from Cuba and other islands.  As a community we must realize that this unequal treatment, which is often discussed in the mainstream media, has a direct impact on the healthy development of all our children.  The celebration of Haitian culture in this month of May and throughout the year is a positive way to promote the healthy development of all our children.  If you know who you are and to whom you belong you can withstand most challenges.  The Haitian parade provides a positive spotlight on the rich social and cultural history of Haiti and our contribution and participation in American history.  This positive spotlight presents our children with a positive self image and promotes the healthy development of all our children and little bit of nostalgia for our seniors.

It is therefore the responsibility of all Haitians and Haitian Americans to assure that this parade continues to survive and thrive.  It can only do so through the active financial and physical participation of every Haitian and Haitian American in Massachusetts and throughout New England.  The successful realization of the Haitian parade, and the corresponding activities around Haitian Heritage Month, is an imperative.  The rich and spicy aroma of Haitian cuisine and the vibrant and expressive nature of Haitian art and artists are all part of the fabric of Haitian Heritage Month.  Most importantly, the celebration of our students continuing to surpass our expectations in scholastic achievement is a source of pride for all of us.  This is our Heritage Month.  The parade is one expression of our pride.  Therefore, its failure and success is dependent on all of us.  My call of action to you is to get involved now!  Do not wait for your neighbor and do not blame your neighbor.

Call HAU at (617) 298- 2976 today and volunteer your support for Haitian Heritage Month, May 2008.