The annual Haitian Unity Parade will kick off from Mattapan Square this Sunday (May 18) around 12:45 p.m., marching to Talbot Avenue and Harambee Park, where the celebration of Haitian American culture and heritage will continue. The parade’s grand marshal is Tamisha Civil, a newly elected member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council.

May is observed as Haitian Heritage Month in Massachusetts, and on Friday morning (May 16). Haitian Americans United (HAU) and Council President Ruthzee Louijeune will host a Unity Breakfast at City Hall that will followed by the ceremonial raising of the Haitian flag at noon. 
The theme for the breakfast this year is honoring Haitian Americans in the trades.

“There’s a lot of heaviness in the community right now and some wonder if we should be celebrating,” said Louijeune. “I think we have to make room to hold both things – the pressures of the moment and remembering who we are.”

Other events include:

•May 17: Haitian American Poetry Celebration, 1 p.m., Roxbury Branch Library, with Marjorie Salvadon, Enzo Silon Surin, and Patrick Sylvain.

•May 22: Haitian After Work Social, 6-9 p.m., Savvor Restaurant, 180 Lincoln St., Boston.

•May 23: Haitian Cultural Night at Fenway Park, 5 p.m. Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month with the Boston Red Sox.

•May 30: Mattahunt School Haitian Heritage Celebration, 8:15 a.m., 100 Hebron St., Mattapan. 

•May 31: 7th annual Haitian American Business Expo and Job Fair, noon-4 p.m., Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont St., Mission Hill.