05-07-2019 Proclamation - Haitian Heritage Month
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Haitian Heritage Month is an expansion of the Haitian Flag Day
th
celebration on May 18. May is the month of many significant historical
national celebrations in Haiti. The date marks the unity reached by the
Congress of Arcahaie on May 15-18, 1803. It also celebrates the
Haitians’ bravery against slavery in the French colony, and
commemorates its independence, which they proclaimed on January 1,
1804. The Haitian slave and revolutionary general, Toussaint
Louverture was born on May 20, 1743; and
WHEREAS, In the United States, Haitian Heritage Month is the celebration of
Haitian Heritage and culture. While pioneered in New England in 1998,
Haitian Heritage Month was eventually honored by the Executive
Branch of the United States government on April 28, 2006, through a
letter of recognition authored by President George W. Bush and his
wife, Laura; and
WHEREAS, Several governors, members of state senates and houses of
representatives, mayors and city councilors have issued annual
citations and proclamations, recognizing the Haitian Heritage Month
celebration in their states or cities since 1998; and
WHEREAS, The 2009 Census reports Florida has the largest percentage of Haitians
residing within the borders of the United States according to American
Community Survey. The belief is the population will continue to grow
and contribute to our communities.
Now Therefore, the Ocoee City Commission, does hereby proclaim May 2019 as
Haitian Heritage Month
in the City of Ocoee and encourages all citizens to actively participate in activities and support
programs celebrating and educating Haitian Heritage.
IN WITNESS WHEROF, I hereunto have
Set my hand and caused the Seal of the
City of Ocoee, Florida to be affixed this
th
7 day of May 2019.
Rusty Johnson, Mayor