The Boston metropolitan area is home to the third-largest Haitian population in the United States. And despite the issues that impact Haitian immigrants living in the commonwealth and those in their home country, the community here is finding ways to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month.
Haitian American community groups are leading the way in celebrating their history, arts and culture with a monthslong lineup of events and activities. AtBoston City Hall this week, Mayor Michelle Wu was joined by City Councilor At-Large Ruthzee Louijeune and other Haitian community leaders in the raising of the Haitian flag, a symbol of the country’s independence.
Social, economic and immigration issues have been weighing heavily on the Haitian community in recent years, from weather disasters to President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination in his home, and the number of immigrants encountering an overburdened system as they try to resettle in Massachusetts.
Joining Basic Black to discuss the region's growing Haitian community and Haitian Heritage Month are Marie St. Fleur, principal at St. Fleur Communications, and former state representative for the 5th Suffolk District, she was the first Haitian immigrant to hold public office in Massachusetts; the Rev. Dieufort J. Fleurissaint, president and executive director at True Alliance Center Inc., and chair for Haitian Americans United Inc.; and Alix Cantave, senior program officer-Haiti for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
But first, Rahsaan Hall, principal at Rahsaan Hall Consulting, joins us to discuss the resignation of U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Rachael Rollins amid an internal ethics probe under the Department of Justice, and the impact for communities of color.
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