Assembly Resolution No. 832

BY: M. of A. Rules (Bichotte Herm

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 2022, as Haitian Heritage Month in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those
organizations which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of
cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of
New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2022, as Haitian
Heritage Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Haitian Heritage Month celebrates the rich culture of Haiti
and its people, including the history, language, distinctive art,
delicious foods and traditions; and

WHEREAS, The purpose of the month is to raise awareness and
understanding about Haitian culture, history and traditions; strengthen
the self-esteem and ethnic pride of Haitian and Haitian-American youth;
and celebrate Haitian achievements across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Jamaican-born Dutty Boukman, a Houngan, or Vodou priest,
held the ceremony of Bois Caiman on the night of August 14, 1791, which
is considered the founding act of the revolution; and

WHEREAS, Jean-Jacques Dessalines defeated Napoleon and the French
colonists at the Battle of Vertieres at the end of 1803 to become the
first independent Black republic in the world; and

WHEREAS, General Toussaint Louverture led his revolutionary army to
many victories, gaining the adoration of Blacks and mulattoes alike;
surrendered to French general Charles Leclerc in 1802 on the promise
that Leclerc would not restore slavery to the island; and was later
arrested under false pretenses and imprisoned at Fort-de-Joux in France
where he died in April of 1803; and

WHEREAS, The Haitian flag was designed by Jean-Jacques Dessalines
and was adopted on May 18, 1803, at the Congress of Arcahaie which was
held to establish the united command of the revolutionary army under the
supreme authority of Jean-Jacques Dessalines; and

WHEREAS, The independence of Haiti echoes the importance of women
and women of color in nation building, through revolutionaries like
Marie-Jeanne Lamartiniere, who fought as a soldier in the Indigenous
army, and Catherine Flon who, like Betsy Ross, is credited with crafting
the Independent Black Republic of Haiti flag in 1803; and served as a
nurse during the Haitian Revolution; and

WHEREAS, Flag Day is a reminder of the struggle to freedom and the
Haitian Flag symbolizes the unity that borne the Haitian nation through

the alliance of the Blacks and mulattoes during the Revolutionary War;
and the coat of arms that currently adorns the flag shows a palm tree
surmounted by the Phrygian cap of liberty and ornamented with trophies
with a banner that reads "L'Union Fait La Force" (In Unity, There is
Strength); and

WHEREAS, Culinary dishes, such as Soup Joumou, a soup Haitian slaves
were forbidden from eating as it was "reserved for their white masters,"
has become a symbol for Haitian freedom and has become a traditional
dish to most Haitian families every January 1st to mark Haitian
Independence Day; other traditional dishes include a variety of native
foods and drinks such as Griot, Black Rice, Plantains, jus grenadia and
rhum; and

WHEREAS, Haitians produce the largest number of health care workers,
nurses, and doctors in the Black diaspora; and

WHEREAS, Eight hundred men of color from Saint-Domingue (present-day
Haiti), fought along the Continental Army during the American Revolution
at the Battle of Savannah in 1779; and

WHEREAS, Haitian-American immigrants have come to the United States
bringing their own influences and cultural traditions to a variety of
spheres including the arts, business, sports, literature, science and
law; notable figures include: Jean-Michael Basquiat, one of the defining
artists of the 20th Century; Jackson Georges, a Haitian-American painter
who worked with wood, marble, metal and leather to create works featured
at the World Trade Art Gallery, United Nations, and Mehu Gallery;
Jean-Claude Brizard, a Haitian-American teacher and superintendent who
served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Public Schools from
2011-2012; and Dean P. Baquet, a Haitian-American journalist who has
served as the Executive Editor of The New York Times since 2014; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Assembly houses the largest Legislative
Haitian Caucus in the country, with six members; and

WHEREAS, Haitian Creole is one of the top 10 languages spoken in New
York City; and

WHEREAS, For decades, Haiti has faced significant challenges,
including natural disasters, and multiple political crises that have
devastated the land and disrupted the lives of millions of people;
however, the Haitian people have demonstrated resilience throughout
history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2022, as Haitian
Heritage Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York, and Haitian Groups across the State.