Brooklyn Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte has said the largest Haitian-American Unity Day was held on May 7 in the New York State’s capitol.
Bichotte, who represents the 43rd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said she and her Haitian-American Assembly colleagues Michaelle Solages, Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Clyde Vanel and Ellen Jaffee, as well as Senators Kevin Parker and David Carlucci, hosted the largest Haitian Unity Day to date, “as almost 200 of their dignitaries, colleagues, and constituents all came to Albany to take part in this celebration.”
The event was also co-sponsored by 40-plus other state legislators, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, said Bichotte, the first Haitian American from New York City to be elected to the State Assembly.
She said Haitian Unity Day was originated by Assemblymember Ellen Jaffee who represents Rockland County, which has a significant Haitian population in her district.
“It was created so that Haitian-Americans from throughout the state would have a day to celebrate their culture and the significant contributions that Haitians have made to the State of New York and the United States,” Bichotte said.
“Participants enjoyed a tour of the Capitol and a fantastic lunch,” she said. “They also visited both the senate and assembly chambers, and had an opportunity to be acknowledged on the assembly floor before the adoption of Resolution 1130, establishing May 7, 2018 as Haitian Unity Day in New York State.”
This year, Bichotte said the sponsors honored Karine Jean-Pierre, CNN and MSNBC contributor, and national spokesperson for moveo
“She has a very robust history in activism, organizing and political campaigns, even serving in White House under the Administration of President Barack Obama as the Regional Political Director for the White House Office of Political Affairs,” Bichotte said. “She has been an outspoken advocate for the Haitian community and fellow immigrant communities.”
Bichotte said, this year, attendees were treated to outstanding performances from Earline Dorsainvil, “who delivered magnificent renditions of both the US National Anthem and the Haitian National Anthem, and Ester Duclair from Newbirth Evangelical Christian Church, who astounded all with her voice and the violin.”
