Happy Haitian Flag Day!

think it is more than fair to state that being Haitian is one of the best life experiences. Although I may be biased due to my 100% bloodline of this ethic group, but there truly is something special about Haitians. Not only are we the first Black Republic in all of humanity, but we are so diverse and mystical, educated and talented, soulful and surreal that most either mock our culture or crave to be us. Words commonly associated with my people are "resilient" "tough" "fearless" and most accurately "crazy"! We demand more from our ourselves and fight for what we want. Warrior instinct seems inherit. Yes, I cannot lie I absolutely love being Haitian! Regardless of whether it is a Mulatto, Taino , or African descent Haitian person, I love all of my Zoë. From the loudest to the creepiest, the rudest to the most loving, I love my Zoë. Everything from the talent, intellect, innovation, inspiration, food, style, wildness, boldness, music, land and so much more Haitians embody, reinforces my love for my homeland. Mwap rele ayiti all day everyday and I always felt so since young. It was interesting enough though that as I got older I realized not all my Haitian counterparts felt likewise.

Many Haitian students I know, born on homeland soil and overseas, have admitted that they were at some point and time ashamed of being Haitian. This always angered and confused me. The various stereotypes bestowed upon Haitians such as us eating cat, stinking, having no sense in style, all being "dark", and always killing each other had me yelling obscenities at those telling me all this conjecture in middle school. I knew it was all radote and defended my people every time. The ridicule came from students, teachers, even fellow church goers. However, unfortunately not every Haitian handled their adversaries as such. Some people would deny their heritage, keep quiet at the insults or even join in and admit embarrassment at being Haitian, which I always thought heartbreaking. Though I could not ever sympathize, I do empathize with those who felt shame when associating with their Haitian lineage.

It is only recently that Haitians are being shown more love and respect as a nation. Black Dada sort of made a segway for that to occur with his song "I'm a Zoë". Then there are artists like Lil Wayne and Rick Ross that constantly shout out Haitians in their songs. Pop culture played a huge role in our final acceptance in American culture. This sense of culture definitely benefited future generations of Haitian children and allowed for more pride in the group. That is why on Haitian Flag Day, we waved our flag so hard and yell so loud and dance so strong: because we are Haitian and proud.

We must remember Catherine Flon in making our Haitian flags. We must remember the blue and red that unites our various types of people. We must embrace our phrase "L'Union Fait La Force"!


This Haitian Flag Day I did not get to partake in any activities. I also noticed Snapchat did not have a story for the holiday, nor did it include any Flag day stories on the local Snapchat NYC storyline. I was low key bummed about that because Snapchat tends to embrace many holidays and events. That is my only soapbox for this article; aside from that I am just glad I saw folks on the street wearing their flags and social sites such as Instagram and Twitter flaunting all the beautiful Haitian people embracing their flag. A flag so filled with triumph and history that is so powerful, that only Lord knows how their people could ever fear to be called what they are: Haitian.