WHEREAS, May 18th marks the celebration of Haitian Flag Day, commemorating the creation of the Haitian flag in 1803; and

WHEREAS, the Haitian flag is a symbol of independence, unity, and resilience, representing the determination of the Haitian people to overcome adversity and fight for their freedom; and

WHEREAS, contributions by Haitian people have influenced all facets of society, from aiding Black American Slaves to gain independence, from culture to religion, from education to business and public service, and more; and

WHEREAS, our local Salt Lake City Haitian community has and continues to contribute significantly to the rich cultural diversity that makes our city unique; and

WHEREAS, the Haitian community has faced significant challenges and obstacles, including the recent devastation caused by natural disasters in Haiti, the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality for all; and

WHEREAS, in Salt Lake City and Utah, we have many heroes to look up to and learn from. From trailblazers of the past, like Toussaint L’Ouverture, Marie-Jeanne Lamartinière, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, to advocates of today, such as:

• Ludmya Bourdeau “Mia” Love (former U.S. Representative of the 4th Congressional District of Utah and former Mayor of Saratoga, Springs, Utah, and born in Brooklyn/NY to a family of Haitian immigrants.)

• Michaëlle Martial “The Caribbean Nightingale”, Poet and Spoken Word Artist (Owner of Poetry on Main in Salt Lake City.)

• Clermont Jr Dossous, also known as DJ Joune/ the Vibe Curator. (First Haitian DJ for the Utah Jazz and owner of Afro Paradigm.)

• Séba Jean-Baptiste (First Haitian member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.)

• Roody Salvator, (Lead Chef and Business Owner of Makaya Caters.)

• Stéphanie Jonassaint Cotton-Betteridge (Practicing lawyer in Utah and granddaughter of a former Haitian President.)

• Ilens and Fenise Dort (Business and medical leaders in the community.)

• Gladymir Philippe, Founder of Kado. (First Haitian immigrant to launch a tech start-up in Utah.)

• Guiteau Mike Leveille (Haitian immigrant and owner of AutoPro.)

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City is a Welcoming City that stands in solidarity with the Haitian community and supports efforts to improve the quality of life for all immigrants, refugees, and asylees who come to our city; and

WHEREAS, Salt Lake City recognizes the importance of reflecting on our complex history in the United States and remains dedicated to dismantling racial inequalities and biases while advancing equity and justice for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Erin Mendenhall, Mayor of Salt Lake City, proclaim May 18, 2023, as:

HAITIAN FLAG DAY in Salt Lake City                                                      

To view the electronically signed copy of the proclamation, click here.