Haitian Americans United, Inc.
For Immediate Release April 16, 2003
Contacts: Eno Mondésir Wilner Auguste Phone: 617-298-2976.
The Haitian-Americans United, Inc announces: Haitian Heritage Month 2003, featuring: -Flag Raising Day, May 16, 2003, 12PM, City Hall, Boston -Haitian Heritage Parade, May 18, Dorchester, starting in Mattapan Square, 1PM
Throughout the month of May 2003, the Haitian Americans United, Inc. will continue its tradition of celebrating the Annual Haitian Heritage Month, with a special emphasis on Haiti's upcoming two-hundred years of independence celebrations. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and State Representative Marie Saint Fleur, first Haitian American to sit in the Massachusetts legislature, will chair this event.
The year 2003 has a special meaning to Haitians in Haiti and the Diaspora, as they are about to celebrate Haiti's two hundred years of independence, proclaimed on January 1st, 1804. By transforming a slave colony into the first black republic in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti set the stage for blacks all over the world to break the chains of servitude. Many of the events that led to Haiti's independence took place in the year 1803: -The creation of the Haitian Flag on May 18, 1803 -The Battle of Vertieres in November 1803, which led to the demise of the French troops, paving the way for the proclamation of the independence -The death of Toussaint Louverture in France on April 7, 1803
This month of May will feature the raising of the flag at Boston City Hall on Friday May 16, at 12pm, City Hall Boston, the Haitian parade May 18 starting Mattapan Square at 1 PM. The first two parades drew a record number of about 20,000 participants, and organizers expect more people to attend this year.
Elected officials from the City of Boston, the State of Massachusetts and other nations, community leaders, several dozens community organizations, schools, cultural and religious institution will send delegations to march in the parade. The Haitian Fanfare, featuring 25 musicians, the Haitian Corps d'Honneur and various other musical bands will provide musical animation. Haitian delegations from Connecticut, Rhode Island and New-Hampshire have already committed to attend.
Participants in the parade could expect to find various exotic and commercial items celebrating Haiti, such as flags, articrafts, various souvenirs, hats, etc.
This year's Grand Marshall is Doctor Jean Perez Nazaire, a respected leader, acclaimed for his work in the Dorchester, Mattapan area, his support to various community causes and his wisdom.
In addition, H.A.U. will promote and sponsor a series of cultural and historical events in partnership with various New-England organizations. For instance, H.A.U. is supporting the Tribute to Haitian General Toussaint Louverture at Faneuil Hall on May 4, from 6-9PM, organized by the Haitian Artists Assembly of Massachusetts, the Rhode Island parade on Sunday May 11, the Haitian flag raising on May 16 at Brockton City Hall.
H.A.U. will also release a booklet for the occasion that will feature key Haitian figures and information pertaining to Haiti's independence.
For information on these events, to reach other groups that will attend, please call the Haitian-Americans United Inc. at: 617-298-2976.
H.A.U. main contacts:
Tel: (617) 298-2976 Website: www.Hauinc.org E-mail: Unity@hauinc.org Mail: 10 Fairway St PO Box260440 Mattapan MA 02126 |
