Latest news with #HaitianHeritageMonth
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Reading celebrates Haitian and Jewish American heritage
Reading's Haitian community celebrated Haitian Heritage Month with a recent flag raising and other events. Celebrated in May, the observation recognizes the history, culture and contributions of Haiti, the Haitian people and Haitian-Americans. The monthlong observation extends beyond Haitian Flag Day, May 18, and is intended to acknowledge and appreciate the diverse heritage of Haitians and Haitian-Americans. The Reading community's recent celebration was a vibrant commemoration of Haiti's rich history and its significance as the first free black nation in the world, said Alex Civil, organizer of the event. The event at Alvernia University's Francis Hall included a flag raising and reception. Civil said he and others also were honored to celebrate a pre-flag day event at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, where the delegation of those with Haitian heritage received a standing ovation in the House of Representatives. The celebration continued last week when City Council issued a proclamation in honor of the occasion. Civil and other members of the city's Haitian community were present to accept a copy of the proclamation. Council also issued a proclamation in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, also observed in May. The observation recognizes the contributions of Jewish Americans to the U.S. It also celebrates the rich history, culture and achievements of Jewish Americans while acknowledging the hardships they have faced, including antisemitism and persecution. Marcia Goodman Hinnershitz, a former city councilwoman, accepted the proclamation on behalf of Reading's Jewish community.
Miami Herald
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Miami-Dade honors Haitian filmmaker behind new political thriller showing nationwide
Robenson Lauvince, a Haitian filmmaker who is making history with a political thriller showing in theaters nationwide, has been honored by the Miami-Dade County Commission. Lauvince is the person behind the film 'July 7: Who Killed the President of Haiti?' A fictionalized account of. the incidents surrounding the July 7, 2021, assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, the film stars an all Haitian cast, including Haitian-American actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, and features the soundtrack 'Rasanble' by J Perry and Paul Beaubrun. The film premiered on Friday and is currently showing in over 100 AMC and Regal movie theaters, a first for the Haitian film community, Lauvince said. Lauvince's honor came via Miami-Dade District 2 Commissioner Marleine Bastien, who wanted to honor his milestone and representation of Haiti on the big screen to a global audience. Bastien was joined by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava while reading the proclamation. May is Haitian Heritage Month.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Tampa celebrates Haitian Heritage Month with cinema event
The City of Tampa is recognizing Haitian Heritage Month with a celebration at the historic Tampa Theatre.
CBS News
11-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Haitian Catholics in Miami celebrate first Sunday service with Pope Leo XIV, who has Haitian roots
Haitian Catholics at Notre Dame D'Haiti Church gathered for a historic Sunday service, celebrating the first sermon from Pope Leo XIV — marking not only the first American pontiff but also the first with Haitian heritage. Eliette Silver, a longtime parishioner who has attended the Miami church for 40 years, said she never imagined sharing cultural roots with the head of the Catholic Church. "It says to the world that you're a great nation. Haiti is a great nation. Haitian is a great people," she said. The significance of Pope Leo's first Sunday sermon resonated deeply with the congregation. "Let us ask our Heavenly Father and assist us in living in service to one another, each according to his or her state of life," the pope said in his message, delivered from the Vatican and translated for global audiences. Pope Leo XIV has Haitian family ties Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV has maternal ties to Haiti. CBS News obtained records showing his maternal grandfather was Haitian and his grandmother was from New Orleans. His brother, John Prevost, confirmed in an interview with CBS This Morning that their mother's parents were Haitian. The timing of the pope's first address couldn't be more symbolic, as it coincides with Haitian Heritage Month — a moment of celebration and pride for a community grappling with turmoil back home. A message of hope for Haiti amid crisis Father Reginald Jean-Mary, who leads Notre Dame D'Haiti Church, acknowledged the emotional impact of the new pope's background. "They are very happy to know that. It is uplifting because Haiti is very down at this moment. The spirit is very low," he said. With Haiti in the grip of political instability and gang violence, Jean-Mary expressed hope that Pope Leo could help inspire peace. "It's the moment for all Haitians, all those resources, to form a bank of human resources so we can revitalize the face and despair of Haiti," he said. The sense of unity and spiritual renewal was palpable as Miami's Haitian community embraced this historic papacy as a source of hope and global recognition.
CBS News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Miami's Haitian community embraces Pope Leo XIV's Haitian roots
Miami's Haitian community is rejoicing after news emerged that Pope Leo XIV may have Haitian roots, a revelation that's deepening pride and spiritual connection during Haitian Heritage Month. In an interview on CBS This Morning, the Pope's brother, John Prevost, confirmed their maternal grandparents were from Haiti, instantly sparking celebration among one of South Florida's largest immigrant groups. Barbershop buzz and cultural pride At Fresh Cut Barbershop in Miami, Antoine Prevost, a barber who shares the Pope's last name, was already calling him "cousin." "I think we family because my last name is Prevost and his last name is Prevost," he said. Marie Ange Fleurissant is also proud of the Pope. Hearing the news, she said, "Pè a se on Ayisyen," which means "The Pope is a Haitian." We caught up with Marie Destine at the Little Haiti Cultural Arts Center. She said, "I feel like it's a blessing in disguise and I hope good thing is going to come for the country." Faith, heritage and hope Haiti is still in political turmoil and being overrun by gangs. Destine hopes the Pope will be able to do something to help. "You represent God, we expect something from you. If you Haitian descent that mean we're going to get something out of it." Back at the barbershop, Prevost the barber says, "I'm very happy, I hope he go and help my country." Paul Germel, who was waiting to get his hair cut, is also optimistic. "I feel good. I am happy. I hope the Pope supports Haitian and to help Haiti too." Father Reginald Jean-Marie, who leads Notre Dame d'Haiti—the largest Haitian Catholic church outside the country—is feeling an immense sense of pride. "We needed something to lift up our spirit to know that from all the great contributions that Haitians have brought to the world and that we still who we are." Back to the Pope's brother, John, he says, "That's part of his job to bring the Catholic community together again and he's already doing it."
