A Joyful Celebration of Haiti's Flag Day in Georgia

This past Saturday marked a vibrant and deeply meaningful celebration as the Haitian community and supporters gathered at Starr Park in Forest Park, Georgia, to commemorate the 222nd anniversary of the Haitian flag being sewn by Catherine Flon. The air was filled with pride, rhythm, and the unmistakable spirit of unity as attendees came together to honor a pivotal symbol of Haitian independence, resilience, and cultural identity. Organized by the GA Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., the event seamlessly blended history with festivity, creating a multigenerational experience that brought families, friends, and allies together for a full day of joy and reflection. The park transformed into a vibrant cultural space, echoing with music, laughter, and the aroma of traditional Haitian cuisine. Several local Haitian artists graced the stage, each performance paying tribute to Haiti’s rich artistic heritage and revolutionary roots. Whether through music or dance these artists helped tell the ongoing story of Haiti’s courage, creativity, and perseverance. Children played with flags in hand, elders shared stories of the homeland, and younger generations absorbed the power of heritage through art and community bonding.

The flag of Haiti, sewn by Catherine Flon in 1803, is more than a national symbol; it is a banner of Black liberation, revolution, and self-determination. And events like this serve to ensure its meaning lives on, especially for Haitian Americans living in Georgia and across the United States. This day was not only a cultural gathering but also a reaffirmation of community strength and the importance of preserving identity across generations. The GA Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. demonstrated its ongoing commitment to empowering the community by organizing this celebration, creating space for connection, education, and pride. In a world where diasporic communities often struggle to maintain cultural roots, moments like this shine brightly, reminding everyone of where they come from and what their ancestors fought for.

The celebration at Starr Park wasn’t just about looking back; it was about moving forward together. From the waving of flags to the echo of kompa and rara in the air, the day embodied what it means to be Haitian and proud, no matter where you are in the world. The legacy of Catherine Flon and the spirit of the Haitian revolution were alive and well this past Saturday, woven into every handshake, every dance, every note sung, and every child who left with their heart a little fuller and their roots a little deeper

May 21, 2025 | Written by Hyppolite Calixte | Photo Credit: Valcin Legacy