Haitian-American Unity Day Celebrated In Mattapan

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The 23rd annual Haitian-American Unity Day was celebrated Sunday in Mattapan.

A parade kicked off at 1 p.m. and danced its way down Blue Hill Avenue finishing off at Harambee Park. Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, who was born and raised in Mattapan and Hyde Park to Haitian immigrants, took part in the festivities.

She said the event is an important celebration recognizing Haiti's special place in history despite its struggles. "The only country founded from a slave revolt," she said. "Even today as we see so much wrong happening in Haiti, the capital controlled by gangs, so much destruction and insecurity, we still know our place in history."

Both Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and her challenger Josh Kraft were at the parade. "We're fortunate in Boston to have such a thriving, powerful, passionate Haitian community here. I'm flattered and honored to be able to stand in solidarity with them," Kraft said.

Throughout the parade's route, parade goers jumped in along the way joining the singers and dancers, including the Dancing Divas decked out in red and blue, Haiti's national colors.

Haiti's red and blue flag was created in 1803 when revolution ripped out the white line of the French flag.

Haiti was under French rule for 144 years.

WBZ NewsRadio’s Jay Willett (@JayWilletWBZ) has more.