Leading Haitian American legislator Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has described Brooklyn’s 6th Annual Haitian Cultural Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, May 10, as “an uplifting highlight.”
“As we celebrate Haitian Heritage Month, the Haitian Culture Day Parade was once again an uplifting highlight, giving the community a wonderful chance to celebrate in unity, as we, literally, championed the pride and richness of our culture across Little Haiti,“ Bichotte Hermelyn, chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, told Caribbean Life.
“I also had the profound pleasure of attending the Pre-Haitian Culture Day Parade Breakfast at Lips Café—not only to have a great time, but also to join my elected colleagues in meeting with and addressing issues of our area’s outsized Haitian community, of which I represent in Assembly District 42,“ she added. “As the Haitian Culture Day Parade stepped off, you could feel our pride fill the streets of Little Haiti.”
Porez Luxama – executive director of Life of Hope, which, in collaboration with Citi Health, “proudly“ presented the “free, family‑friendly celebration of Haitian heritage and resilience“ – said the event “amplified a celebration that unites thousands of spectators, community organizations, and an impressive roster of city, state and federal officials under the uplifting theme, ‘One Love, One Haiti.‘”
The festivities began at 9 a.m. as the parade departed from the intersection of Toussaint L’Ouverture Blvd. (Nostrand Ave.) and Pierre Toussaint Blvd. (Church Ave.) in Brooklyn.
Marching bands, floats, dancers, and cultural performers trekked through Brooklyn’s Little Haiti and Little Caribbean, culminating at Flatbush Junction’s Hillel Plaza around 1 p.m., where the celebration continued until 5 p.m.
Highlights included a headline performance by internationally acclaimed Konpa band T‑Vice and the electrifying Raboday artist AndyBeatz, complemented by vibrant local acts, open‑mic showcases, art exhibitions, and vendor stalls featuring Haitian and Afro‑Caribbean cuisine.
With performers, grand marshals, and elected officials, Luxama said organizers aimed to make the celebration “seamless and rewarding.”
Bichotte Hermelyn said, “During Haitian Heritage Month—and every day—I’m proud to keep uplifting and honoring our Haitian heritage here in Assembly District 42 and across New York.“
In a powerful address to the State Legislature last Tuesday, May 6, Bichotte Hermelyn proudly delivered a speech on the passage of her resolution establishing May 2025 as Haitian Heritage Month in New York State.
The daughter of Haitian immigrants told Caribbean Life that the resolution expands “the enduring celebration of Haitian Flag Day (Sunday, May 18) into a month-long recognition of Haiti’s enduring cultural legacy and contributions to global freedom, democracy, and innovation.“
In a stirring speech on the Assembly floor, Bichotte Hermelyn emphasized Haiti’s pivotal role in shaping world history and current influence.
“Haitian Heritage Month is not just about honoring a culture — it’s about celebrating a history that helped change the world,“ said the first Haitian American woman elected to office in New York City.
“Haiti became the first free Black republic in the Western Hemisphere in 1803, and, over 220 years later, it fuels the fight for independence across the globe, including here in the United States,“ she added.
“Haitian Americans are trailblazers,“ continued Bichotte Hermelyn, citing pioneers like Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, the founder of Chicago, and revolutionary heroines Marie-Jeanne Lamartinière and Catherine Flon, who helped forge the Haitian republic and flag.
“From fighting in the American Revolution to shaping US democracy and culture, Haiti’s impact cannot be overstated,“ she stressed.
In modern times, Bichotte Hermelyn said Haitians are “many of the greatest in vital fields“ – ranging from arts and music to politics and public service – including artist Jean Michael Basquiat, former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and renowned artist Wyclef Jean.
Bichotte Hermelyn also honored “everyday hero Haitian Americans (who) enrich our society,“ stating that Haitians create the most significant number of Black doctors and health care workers, “an outsized portion of our engineers, lawyers, educators.”
She said Little Haiti in Brooklyn, which she represents, “boasts the highest concentration of Haitian-owned businesses in New York, adding that Haitian Creole is now one of New York City’s top 10 most spoken languages.
While the month celebrates triumphs, Bichotte Hermelyn, an outspoken advocate for immigrants’ rights, addressed Haiti’s current humanitarian crisis, citing the resignation of Haiti’s prime minister amid escalating gang violence and widespread insecurity that has left the French-speaking Caribbean nation in a state of emergency.
She called on the Trump administration to “expand and protect immigration relief, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and to provide direct, sustainable aid that supports Haitian-led solutions.
“During Haitian Heritage Month, we must reaffirm our united front in providing additional aid to Haiti, while urging the federal government to safely and humanely allow migrants to seek refuge,“ the Assembly Member said.
But amid these challenges, Bichotte Hermelyn celebrated Haiti’s “unbreakable spirit.”
She noted that, despite turmoil, Haitian innovation continues to thrive.
“Haiti has never stopped rising,“ she said. “From the ashes of oppression, Haiti gave the world a model of justice. And even today, amid crisis, Haitian people rise with pride, resilience, and hope.”
Bichotte Hermelyn urged that Haitian Heritage Month be honored “not just with celebration, but with action, unity, and justice.
“Ayiti pap peri. Haiti will not perish,“ she said. “Let us celebrate the Haitian community for its past victories and its ongoing fight to create a better world for all.“
Bichotte Hermelyn also noted that last week marked National Small Business Week, where “we got to support and showcase Haitian entrepreneurship for the small businesses that are the backbone of our economy.
“Congratulations to Chef, Author, and Entrepreneur Nadege Fleurimond on the grand opening of BunNan’s second location—right here in the heart of Flatbush!“ she said. “It was a joy celebrating this major milestone with our community during Haitian Culture Day weekend.
“BunNan continues to showcase the bold flavors and creativity of Haitian cuisine, now with a full sit-down experience at 1248 Flatbush Ave.,“ Bichotte Hermelyn said.
“We’re proud to uplift Black women-owned businesses making an impact right here in District 42.”
