In a historic move, the New York State Legislature has officially designated May 2025 as Haitian Heritage Month, solidifying statewide recognition of the Haitian community’s enduring cultural, historical, and societal contributions.
The resolution, passed during Tuesday’s legislative session, seeks to both celebrate Haitian Americans and acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by the Haitian people.
Brooklyn Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the first Haitian-American woman elected in New York City, delivered a passionate speech on the Assembly floor as she introduced and championed the resolution. “Haitian Heritage Month is not just about honoring a culture — it’s about celebrating a history that helped change the world,” said Bichotte Hermelyn, who represents the 42nd Assembly District, home to Brooklyn’s Little Haiti.
Legislators underscored the importance of expanding the traditional celebration of Haitian Flag Day on May 18 into a month-long observance, highlighting Haiti’s global impact as the first free Black republic in the Western Hemisphere. Citing the Haitian Revolution of 1791 as a beacon for oppressed peoples worldwide, lawmakers emphasized how Haiti’s fight for independence helped inspire liberation movements across the globe — including in the United States.
“Haiti became the first free Black republic in 1803, and, over 220 years later, it fuels the fight for independence across the globe,” Bichotte Hermelyn added. She spotlighted historic figures like Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, founder of Chicago; revolutionary women like Marie-Jeanne Lamartinière and Catherine Flon; and cultural icons such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Wyclef Jean, and Karine Jean-Pierre.
Beyond the icons, the Assembly Member lauded the everyday Haitian Americans who “enrich our society” — from the country’s disproportionately high number of Black doctors and healthcare workers to the many engineers, educators, and entrepreneurs shaping New York’s future. “Little Haiti in Brooklyn boasts the highest concentration of Haitian-owned businesses in New York,” she noted, adding that Haitian Creole now ranks among the top 10 most spoken languages in New York City.
However, the celebration comes amid a sobering backdrop. Bichotte Hermelyn and her colleagues used the opportunity to raise awareness about Haiti’s current humanitarian crisis — marked by gang violence, political instability, and a state of emergency following the resignation of the prime minister. She called on the federal government to expand immigration relief measures such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and to prioritize direct, Haitian-led aid efforts.
“During Haitian Heritage Month, we must reaffirm our united front in providing additional aid to Haiti,” she urged. “And we must safely and humanely allow migrants to seek refuge.”
Despite the challenges, the Assembly Member ended on a note of hope, honoring Haiti’s resilience. “Haiti has never stopped rising,” she declared. “Even today, amid crisis, Haitian people rise with pride, resilience, and hope.”
The newly established Haitian Heritage Month is expected to spark a range of cultural celebrations, educational events, and community initiatives across New York next May, highlighting the Haitian American story and its profound imprint on the state’s identity. As Bichotte Hermelyn concluded: “Let us honor this month not just with celebration, but with action, unity, and justice.”
