Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn speaks to the New York State Assembly today on her resolution designating May as Haitian Heritage Month in New York State. |
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MAY 5, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Sabrina Rezzy: rezzys@nyassembly.gov
718-940-0428
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Haitian Heritage Month
now recognized across
New York State
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(Albany, NY) -- Today the New York State Assembly passed a resolution introduced by Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn which formally designates May as 'Haitian Heritage Month' statewide. The resolution was cosponsored by 15 members of the Assembly.
Speaking to the chamber, Bichotte Hermelyn noted Haiti's status as the first free Black republic in the Western Hemisphere. "We are a people that have been fighting for our freedom for generation after generation, including in America," she said, referring to the period in 1779 when Haitian's fought alongside the Union in the Battle of Savannah. "We saw the beacon of freedom that America promised, and we helped seize it."
The designation of Haitian Heritage Month commemorates Haitian heritage and culture, including the nation's notable leaders like Jean Jacques Dessalines, who defeated Napoleon and the French colonists at the Battle of Vertières in 1803; General Toussaint Louverture, who commanded his revolutionary army to victory; and female revolutionaries like Marie-Jeanne Lamartinière – who fought as a soldier in the Indigenous army – and Catherine Flon, a nurse, who is credited with crafting the independent Black Republic of Haiti flag in 1803; and Jean Baptiste Dusable, the first settler of Chicago, also known as the “father of Chicago”. Other notables include Jean-Michael Basquiat, one of the defining artists of the 20th century – and Jackson Georges, a painter - both Haitian - as well as modern day leaders like actor Jamie Hector, and reporter Vladimir Duthiers.
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"We saw the beacon of freedom that America promised, and we helped seize it." |
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Other Haitian holidays recognized by the state include Haitian Flag Day and Haitian Unity Day, which are celebrated May 18.
"Although this has not been an easy time for Haitians, we are resilient," said Bichotte Hermelyn, noting Haitian-American's contributions in the health care field.
"We celebrate the nature of our people to serve as health care heroes: a great number who served on the frontline during the worst days of the pandemic - as doctors, nurses, and home health care aides."
Late last year, Bichotte Hermelyn and state senator Kevin Parker introduced a bill that was then passed by the state legislature which provided funds for the rededication of the Newkirk Avenue 2/5 train station, now “Little Haiti-Newkirk,” in Brooklyn.
In 2018, "Little Haiti Cultural and Business District," was born. Streets in the neighborhood are named for Haitian icons, Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Toussaint Louverture in an ode to Haitian heritage and the large Haitian-American population.
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History of Little Haiti in Brooklyn |
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Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn covering Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She is currently the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), Chair of the Task Force on Women's Issues and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Education, Banks, Health, and Higher Education. She also sits on Governor Hochul's Domestic Violence Advisory Council and Mayor Adams MWBE Task Force.
As a current Assemblymember, District Leader, and Chair of Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has been an outspoken advocate on issues concerning immigration, education, economic development, unemployment, education reform, health care access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, school safety, women's and LGBTQ rights, as well as other issues affecting the quality of life in the community.
Learn more about
Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn by visiting her websites:
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