15556: (Hermantin) Haitian Flag Day events to celebrate birth of a nation (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: leonie hermantin <lhermantin@hotmail.com>

Sun Sentinel


Haitian Flag Day events to celebrate birth of a nation



By Alva James-Johnson
Staff writer

May 10, 2003

It's a symbol of Haitian pride -- a red and blue flag that hails the
country's independence. And South Florida residents will see much of it this
month as Haitian-Americans celebrate the 200th anniversary of the nation's
birth.

Gone are the days when the community had to rely on Flag Day celebrations in
Miami to commemorate the holiday.

On this anniversary, Haitian-Americans in Broward and Palm Beach counties
are pumping it up in their own communities with official proclamations,
parades, symposiums and calendars packed with other cultural events.

"With the increasing migration of Haitians and the fact that this is a very
important year for us in history, this celebration is taking place
throughout the world," said Michaelle Pope, principal at North Side
Elementary in Fort Lauderdale. "We're finding celebrations across our
community and that's a beautiful thing."

Haitian Flag Day falls on May 18, and commemorates Haiti's successful 1803
slave revolt against France and its historical significance as the first
black republic. Special events commemorating the holiday will begin Sunday
and continue through the rest of the month.

Roody Barthelemy, a Haitian Creole translator and interpreter for the Palm
Beach County School District, said Haitians are excited that the school
district proclaimed May Haitian Heritage Month. He said several schools will
conduct events Friday in honor of the day. And on May 18, at 2 p.m. at Lake
Worth Community High School, a parade in honor of Haitian Flag Day will be
conducted, featuring Haitian performers.

The Haitian-American community in Lauderdale Lakes will kick off the week
with a religious service 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday at Shoppes at Oriel Plaza. It
also has planned daily events for the rest of the week, culminating with a
Haitian Flag Day Celebration parade and festival on May 18. The event will
be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., also at Shoppes at Oriel Plaza.

Other organizations planning events include ACTION Foundation, which is
sponsoring a monthlong cultural exhibit at the African-American Research
Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale; the Minority Development and
Empowerment Inc. and the Broward County School District's Haitian Flag Day
Committee.

"Haitians are proud to be the first independent black country in the world,"
said Carolyn Kennedy, of the Haitian American Community Help Organization.
"They have 200 years to say that they have been independent."

Community leaders and educators said it's an important history lesson for
the community to learn as Haitian refugees migrate to the area in search of
a better life.

"It symbolizes a lot of pride for us, and speaks to our perseverance," said
Guithele Ruiz, of the Minority Development and Empowerment Inc. "Freedom
means so much to us. Through blood, sweat and tears, our people will do
whatever is necessary to enhance their quality of life."

Alva James-Johnson can be reached at ajjohnson@sun-sentinel.com or
954-356-4523.


Copyright © 2003, South Florida Sun-Sentinel

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