United Around the Terms Resilience And Solidary, The Haitian Community Of Tampa Celebrates The 221st Year Anniversary Of Their Flag

By Bob Simon

Tampa, FL.- Friday, May 18th, HANA leads the 221^st Haitian flag anniversary celebration. Many health professionals in scrub provide health services or information to attendees, while Tropigroove nurtures the party atmosphere with Haitian music.

Around 10:00 a.m., the last check-up was done, and vendors, nurses, and early attendees gathered at 1916 S. 136th Avenue, Tampa, in the middle of blue and red decorations. From the set-up balloon column at the main entrance, a little bit farther, dozens of people wearing blue and red t-shirts or waving their flag, till in front of the stand where Jude Edward opened the ceremony, almost everything has a Haitian symbol on it. “This event shows our resilience and solidarity,” said Edline Pierre, president of the Haitian American Nurse Association of Tampa.

For 10 years, the relationship between the HANA of Tampa and the Haitian community has been growing. “The Flag Day celebration is the first seed that express their willing to empower this community,” Pierre said. Every year this event allows haitians living nearby to come together. Pierre explains that a strong Haitian community must rock on this kind of event and calls the Haitians to join hands to build hope.

Esther Germain, president of the Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay, praises attendees’ decision to participate in the Haitian Flag Day celebration. “We want to spread love. Even though there is bad publicity about Haiti, we are the positivity Haiti needs,” she said.

With the support of many groups, attendees received free Haitian food, face painting, and twisted animal balloons for children. “We are here to build health literacy and provide health access to the Haitian Community,” Pierre said.

Many non-profits were there at the Haitian Flag Day celebration. NSU Florida provides a free blood sugar glucose screening service to attendees. C.A.N.D.O and many other Haitian or Caribbean non-profit organizations working in Hillsborough County show solidarity through their presence. Tropigroove and DJ Mixx design a fantastic party mood with Haitian classical music.

Maxon Victor is a Haitian American born and raised in Florida. For 22 years, Victor has resided in Tampa. May 18^th is significant for him and many young people attending the event. “The Flag Day celebration helped me stay connected with my roots, family, and heritage.”

The flag is a precious symbol that every nation cherishes and respects. People see through a flag the nation’s liberty, history, and determination. Pierre says, “Our vigor for life is still here despite what’s going on back home.”

HANA of Tampa invites Hillsborough County residents to its 10^th annual fundraising on Saturday, July 20th, 2024. Visit their website to learn more about this gala.