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SALT LAKE CITY — A group gathering in Washington Square Thursday afternoon might have been only a few dozen strong, but their excitement was palpable as they celebrated the rich heritage of a country that was the first free Black republic in the world.
The gathering was in honor of Haitian Flag Day, which is observed annually on May 18 and commemorates the country's independence from the French. Members of Utah's Haitian community participated in a Haitian flag ceremony that included a mayoral proclamation recognizing the day in Salt Lake City.
"Today is a very special day for not just myself, but many generations of Haitians — Haitians immigrants, first-generation Haitian Americans," said Michelda George, who helped organize the event. "We really wanted to make sure that our people were represented as we are working to become more diverse here in the state of Utah. ... It's not unknown to us people of color, who are Black, that there is a need for us to make sure our voices are heard."
Salt Lake Community College Black Student Union President Jevahjire France moved to the U.S. from Haiti as a teen seven year ago. He said since the beginning of Haiti's history, the country's people have been able to unite under the flag.
"It is a symbol of an island that is still suffering from the damages of colonization and imperialism," he said. "Even after getting rid of its oppressors, it is the symbol of a country that is still paying the cost of independence but, despite all adversities, will always stand tall and be the light in the darkness."
Haitian lawyer Stéphanie Jonassaint Cotton-Betteridge stressed that celebrations like Salt Lake City's recognition of Haitian Flag Day help foster a sense of belonging and appreciation for heritage.
"The Haitian flag is of great significance for Haitians across the world. It's not only for people in Haiti, but it represented something tremendous because it was the first slave nation to stand up and become a republic unto itself," Cotton-Betteridge said. "Equality and justice for all started with Haiti. It started with the United States, who freed itself and became the first republic. Haiti freed and declared freedom for all — men, women, children — no matter who you are, freedom for all. That's how we can have freedom of religion here in this great state."
Correction: A previous version misattributed a quote from France.
