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File #: 230434    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 5/11/2023 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 5/11/2023
Title: Declaring May 2023 Haitian Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia, in recognition of the contributions of Haitians and Haitian-Americans.
Sponsors: Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Phillips, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Vaughn, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Driscoll, Councilmember Lozada, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember Thomas
Attachments: 1. Signature23043400

Title

Declaring May 2023 Haitian Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia, in recognition of the contributions of Haitians and Haitian-Americans.

 

Body

WHEREAS, Haitian Heritage Month is celebrated by the Haitian diaspora around the world to commemorate Haitian history, heritage, and culture. Heritage Month is an expansion of the annual Haitian Flag Day, a national holiday that falls on May 18th; and

 

WHEREAS, Haitian Flag Day is celebrated globally to commemorate Haiti’s independence from France. Haiti is the first independent nation in Latin America, the first post-colonial, independent, Black-led nation in the world, and the only nation whose independence was gained because of a successful enslaved persons rebellion. The City of Philadelphia will commemorate Haitian Flag Day on May 18th with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall; and

 

WHEREAS, As an opportunity for Haitians to express their pride in their culture, traditions, and family, Haitian Flag Day also celebrates the first adoption of the Haitian flag. The Haitian flag is a vibrant blue and red with the motto “L'Union fait la force,” which translates to “Union makes strength”. The national coat of arms is displayed in the center with symbols of justice and liberty such as flags, rifles, hatches, cannons, and anchors; and

 

WHEREAS, Haitians have brought their heritage of sense, intelligence, and bold creativity to every corner of the globe. According to the Pew Charitable Trust, Haitians are one of the largest immigrant communities in Philadelphia; and

 

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s vibrant Haitian community contributes to the city’s lively and growing immigrant community. Haitian Philadelphians are small business owners, educators, public servants, police officers, health professionals, artists, faith leaders, and much more; and

 

WHEREAS, Haitians, like all immigrants, make Philadelphia stronger, resilient, and diverse. The city is at its best when neighbors of all backgrounds come together to celebrate their differences and similarities; now, therefore, be it

 

RESOLVED, the Council of the City of Philadelphia declares May 2023 Haitian Heritage Month in the City of Philadelphia, in recognition of the contributions of Haitians and Haitian-Americans.

 

FURTHER RESOLVED, An Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the organizers of Philadelphia’s Haitian Flag Day ceremony as a token of this body’s respect and appreciation.

 

End