Photo Project - ‘Kreyol pale, Kreyol komprann’

May 18

L'Union Fait La Force - Unity in Strength

The Haitian Revolution was a series of conflicts between 1791 and 1804. The most prominent conflict was between the Slaves and the Colonists. Through the struggle, the Haitian people ultimately won their independence from France and thereby became the first country to be founded by former slaves. On January 1, 1804, the entire island declared their independence.

May is considered Haitian Heritage Month. It was first celebrated in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998. Haitian Heritage Month is a celebration of the diaspora of Haitian Culture. This month long celebration is to raise awareness and understanding of Haitian culture and traditions; strengthen the self-esteem and ethnic pride of the youth that are of Haitian decent; and celebrate Haitian achievements across the globe.

The month of May is even more special in the Haitian Community because it is also when we celebrate Haitian Flag Day. Haitian Flag Day is one of our most treasured traditions. The Haitian flag was hand sewn by Catherine Flon with guidance from her godfather, Haitian revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines. Catherine Flon is a Haitian patriot and national heroine. She is regarded as one of the symbols of the Haitian Revolution and independence. On May 18th, 1803, she created the flag that symbolized the identity and history of the Haitian people. The Haitian flag is recognized as a source of pride for Haitians worldwide and its annual commemoration on May 18th.

‘La Liberté ou la Mort!’

Spoken Words by Marie Chantal Baptiste in French

Haiti “Perle des Antilles” regorge de sites historiques

Les côtes d’Haiti offrent un spectacle bleuâtre où de belles plages sillonnent les rochers et les côtes. On ne parle pas de quatre saisons en Haiti parce que le soleil est toujours au rendez-vous. Les belles plages, les grottes, les rivières, les chutes d’eau, les montagnes, les sites touristiques et notre chef d’oeuvre “ la Citadelle Laferrière” font d’Haiti un coin à explorer. Parlons de culture, elle est riche en poésies, proverbes, contes et chansons qui véhiculent l’essence de nos coutumes, de notre culture et de notre histoire de people noir libre. La peinture haïtienne est reconnue au niveau national et international. La musique haïtienne est connue internationalement. Rappelons-nous de “Choucoune” Haïti Chérie “Ti Zwezo”que tant de gens fredonnaient inlassablement. Le Kompa est la danse originaire de mon pays où les danseurs se laissent bercer avec un jeu de corps et un rythmique propre aux Haïtiens. Haiti est réputée pour ses fruits. La cuisine haïtienne est extraodinaire et chaque ville a sa spécialitée. Le griot, les bananes pesées, les acras et “pikliz” font couler de l’eau à la bouche. Sans oublier le lambi, le poisson gros sel, le tassot cabri, la soupe au giromon, le riz noir (le riz aux champignons haïtiens) qui sont aimés de beaucoup. En cette année 2020, que la fête du drapeau nous interpelle sur notre rôle en tant qu’haïtiens.

Special GuestMarie Chantal Baptiste — *Marie Chantal Baptiste*

Haiti “Pearl of the Antilles” is full of historic sites. The Haitian coasts offer a bluish spectacle where beautiful beaches crisscross the rocks and the coasts. We don’t talk about seasons in Haiti because the sun is always there. The beaches, the caves, the river, the waterfalls, the mountains, the tourist sites and our masterpiece “La Citadelle Laferrière” make Haiti a place to explore. Let's talk about culture it is rich in poetry, tales and songs that convey the essence of our customs and our history as a free people. Haitian paintings are recognized nationally and internationally. Haitian music is known internationally. Let us remember "Choucoune" Haiti Chérie "Ti Zwezo" that so many people hummed tirelessly. Kompa is the dance from my country where the dancers let themselves be rocked with a body game and a rhythm specific to Haitians. Haiti is renowned for its fruits. Haitian cuisine is extraordinary and each city has its specialty. The griot, the fry plantains, the acras and the pikliz make your mouth water. Without forgetting the Queen Conch, coarse salt fish, fry goat, pumpkin soup, and black rice (rice with Haitian mushrooms) which are loved by many. In this year 2020, may Haitian Flag Day challenge us on our role as Haitians.

English Translation