The Haitian-Americans United, Inc. (H.A.U.) is pleased to invite the general audience to participate in a series of events organized in celebration of the 2016 Haitian Heritage Month in Massachusetts. H.A.U. and its partners continue to focus on “Unity” as the central theme for this year, while evoking the spirit and the determination of the ancestors that led to Haiti’s independence on January 1st, 1804.

As in past years, H.A.U. will coordinate several major events for the Haitian Heritage Month:

• The 21st annual Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony: The Haitian flag will be raised on Friday, May 13 between 12-2 p.m. at Boston’s City Hall in Government Center. Participants will include high school students, cultural groups, and city and state officials. The ceremony will be preceded by a breakfast at 10:30 A.M. on the fifth floor of City Hall. The annual breakfast with local Haitian leaders and City Councillors is sponsored by Councillors Michael Flaherty, and Timothy P. McCarthy. Several other cities including Brockton and Medford will each hold similar events.

• The 16th annual Haitian Unity Parade will take place on Blue Hill Avenue, Sunday, May 15th, 2015 starting in Mattapan Square at 1 p.m. More than 200 local organizations, schools and businesses from all over New England are expected to participate. The parade will be led by FR. Gustave Miracle will serve as Grand Marshall for this year. The event will feature lead sponsors Senator Linda Dorcena Forry, Mayor Martin Walsh, former State Representative Marie St. Fleur, and a host of city and state public officials.

• The Haitian Heritage Month celebration at the State House, sponsored by State Senator Dorcena Forry, will be held on Thursday, May 26 from 12-2:30 p.m. Several artists from the Haitian community will perform and several leaders and officials will speak on that occasion.

All Haitians and friends of Haiti are invited to join in the Heritage Celebration.