May is Haitian Heritage Month, and Greater Boston’s Haitian diaspora — the third largest in the country — will celebrate this weekend with the 24th annual Haitian American United Unity Parade.
The event starts in Mattapan Square and is described as the highlight of Haitian American Heritage Month. It comes as many of Haitian descent are grappling with immense uncertainty and political pressure.
In a statement, parade grand marshal Yves Salomon-Fernández, president of Urban College of Boston, said that while Haitians and others are navigating unprecedented challenges, finding space for celebration and joy is “exactly” what has helped Haitians and other historically marginalized communities overcome trying times.
“It’s more important than ever that our Haitian family comes together to celebrate our independence and heritage. We are grateful for those who stand with us and fight alongside us, those who believe in human dignity,” she said, adding that, she considers it “humbling” to be among those who have led the parade.
“Thirty-five years ago, I came to the United States not speaking any English. To reach this height, this summit, is overwhelming,” she said.
Salomon-Fernández, who emigrated with her family from Haiti, said she wants parade onlookers to know that “even as a small slave colony, [Haiti] defeated the world’s most powerful army and went on to support other colonies in their fights for self-determination and dignity.”
“Becoming the first Black republic in the world meant that we had a responsibility to not remain the last. I encourage folks to dance, cheer, and laugh with us.”
Former parade grand marshal and the Massachusetts Governor’s Council member Tamisha Civil also joined host Arun Rath to talk about the parade and its impact on the Haitian community.
Below is a lightly edited transcript of their conversation.
Arun Rath: So first up, take us back to 2025 when you were grand marshal. What is it like to lead a celebration of Haitian culture?
Tamisha Civil: You know what? It was a wonderful experience. As you grow up, you see the parade happen every year, but you never see yourself being in that position, and it was like an awakening for me. Being a representation of what the Haitian culture is all about, being around young people, being around our parents and around the mayor. It was just an honor to be in the presence, in the moment at that given time as the grand marshal.
Rath: Talking about that time, and this time as well ... the community is grappling with intense political pressure. I don’t know if we need to mince words. I could even use the word “hate,” to be honest, going back to 2024 and 2025, the way that the Haitian community has been directly attacked by political leaders. This year, we have the case of people being in limbo with TPS. Talk about that in this context.
Civil: Well, what I can say is that despite the uncertainties of TPS, we want to thank Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley for her tireless advocacy for the immigrant community, as well as the Haitian people. This is just a reminder how Haitian people are resilient, and we will fight the good fight and get into good trouble, as they say. And the parade is a representation of that. Despite the uncertainties, despite the difficulties that they faced in the community without having a place to stay and not knowing what will happen in the future, I believe this parade will bring us together and to remind us how strong we are and how far along we have come.
Rath: I know a lot of varied immigrant communities and really more immigrant communities of people with darker skin who have been frankly nervous of gathering for events. Is that a factor, or something that people are feeling in the Haitian community?
Civil: There may be for some, but I haven’t heard any. It hasn’t stopped us from celebrating our culture, hasn’t stop us from bringing us together. Those who are here legally by TPS just walk with their documentation with them. And with the support that we have with our government officials in Massachusetts, I think people are aware of what’s happening, but they’re not in fear as they were before. With this parade, we want to focus on coming together and celebrating the opportunities that we’re able to take advantage of. I think if we keep that mindset, we’ll be able to focus on getting into the right direction and that is to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month.
Rath: Let’s talk about that, let’s about the joy, the celebration. What part of that are you most looking forward to with this Sunday’s parade? It looks like you’re gonna have beautiful weather.
Civil: We are going to have beautiful weather. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone, everyone across the commonwealth of Massachusetts. I’m looking forward to hearing the cultural music, the cultural dancing, and even though it’s Haitian Heritage Month and we’re celebrating at the parade Sunday, it’s important that everyone comes out.
Now, if we want to get into the history of the Haitian parade, it was first started by Haitian American United, back in May of 2000 by Wilner Auguste. He was the founder and he was the one that implemented that within the last 25 years, and it’s important that we improve the quality of the Haitian culture and the Haitian American through education, through empowerment and through Haitian art and culture.
When I look back at growing up in the city of Boston, a lot has changed, especially in our community. We have political officials that are Haitian-American. We cannot forget former state Rep. Marie St. Fleur, who was the first state representative in the 5th Suffolk District, representing Roxbury and Dorchester. We cannot forget our first Haitian-American senator, former Sen. Linda Dorcena, who represented the Haitians across the commonwealth in the First Suffolk Senate District. These are all the impacts that we’ve made along the way, showcasing the education, and the beauty of the culture. So, when we look at all the things that have transpired within the last 25 years to make this movement of the Haitian Parade, that is something that is commendable. And there’s more work to be done, but let’s celebrate what we have in front of us, despite the hardship, despite the uncertainties.
I believe that the Haitian people are very resilient, they are hardworking people. My parents came to the United States in the 1980s. They were able to provide me the best education, they were to work two jobs between the both of them to make sure that I have a quality of life to live the American dream. And I’m just so grateful and that is something that I’ll never take for granted, and I think the next generation deserves to see what it feels and what it means to be Haitian in this culture and to live the American dream like so many other people in this country want to do.
Rath: Must be wonderful for you to be taking your kid.
Civil: Absolutely. And the funny thing is last year he was able to cut the ribbon with me and I believe that he learned something that day: That hard work really pays off, and to always bet on yourself that the change that you want to see — as long as you do your best and put your best foot forward — you will see that change happen within your community.
