The City of Everett and the Everett Haitian Community Center (EHCC) marked 10 years of the Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, May 18 at Everett City Hall, celebrating Haitian Heritage Month and the contributions of one of Everett’s largest communities.
“The Haitian Revolution resulted in the first Black republic and the first nation founded through a successful revolt of enslaved people,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “Today, we are proud to recognize the many Haitian-American residents, leaders, clergy, educators, nonprofit organizations, youth leaders, and business owners who contribute to Everett.”
Massachusetts consistently ranks among the top three states in Haitian population, with Everett serving as a key cultural hub alongside Boston, Brockton, and Randolph. Thousands of Everett residents identify as Haitian.
State Representatives Joe McGonagle and Judith García, Councilor Guerline Alcy Jabouin, and Consul Mergeline Lochard of the Consulate General of Haiti in Boston offered remarks, along with community and faith leaders. Representatives from the offices of Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley were also in attendance. Mateo Rull Garza presented a distinguished recognition to EHCC on behalf of Congresswoman Pressley’s office.
“This annual celebration shows that the Haitian community is an integral pillar of this city,” Rev. Dr. Myrlande DesRosiers, Executive Director of EHCC, said. “From elders who paved the way, to young leaders claiming their seats at the table, to cultural leaders who create spaces for Haitian culture to shine — Haitians are here, we are loud, and we are proud.”
Six community members received EHCC Community Honorees recognition for their support of the Haitian community: Councilor Stephanie Martins, Councilor Katy Rogers, Marie Stéphanie A. Pierre, Mary Hopkins, Gerly Adrien, and John Hanlon.
Cultural performances included poetry, dance, music, and youth participation from Everett Public Schools Emerging Bright Stars program and Haitian Heritage Club. Poet Mecca Grimo Marcelin performed a piece dressed in historical garb featuring the lambi, a conch shell that is a symbol of the Haitian Revolution.
Rev. Dr. DesRosiers added: “The strength of this city lies in its diversity. But living in harmony with people who are different from us is not always easy. It takes an open mind and heart, compassion, and a willingness to find beauty in what is unfamiliar. Up close, a mosaic might seem nonsensical. But step back, and you see the wonderful image every piece of this city contributed to making.”
