Page 8 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021 City honors Haitian-Americans with fifth annual flag raising C By Christopher Roberson ity and state officials recently gathered with members of Everett’s Haitian-American population to recognize the 217 years that Haiti has been an independent nation. “This is more than just a flag raising,” said State Senator Sal DiDomenico during the fifth annual ceremony on May 18. “The Everett Haitian community is very important to us.” He also recognized the resolve of the city’s Haitian-American residents, as many of them have been on the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “During the worst pandemic in our history, the Haitian community rose to the occasion,” said DiDomenico. “Giving back is in their soul, it’s in their core.” He also spoke about the diversity represented at Everett High School. “We have the most diverse high school in the Commonwealth,” said DiDomenico. “Not Somerville, not Cambridge, not Boston – it’s right here in Everett.” Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani said Haitian-American students represent the third highest ethnic population in the Everett Public Schools. She also lauded the district for its long-standing commitment to diversity. “I am so grateful to be part of this community,” she said. State Representative Joseph McGonagle Mayor Carlo DeMaria The Haitian Flag flaps in the breeze above Church Street. (Advocate photos by Christopher Roberson) State Representative Joseph McGonagle recalled traveling to Haiti. “The resiliency and strength of the Haitian people is something that I’ll never forget,” he said. Mayor Carlo DeMaria spoke about how General JeanJacques Dessalines declared victory over French General Napoleon Bonaparte, thus ending the Haitian Revolution in 1804. “Today, we celebrate their hardearned freedom,” said DeMaria, adding that Everett continues to be a melting pot of international cultures. “Everett is truly a welcoming place for all.” Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani DeMaria also said that after traveling to other countries he noticed that the United States Rev. Myrlande DesRosiers is the only nation with such a diverse immigrant population. “The great thing about America is it’s the only country that State Senator Sal DiDomenico embraces people from all over the world,” he said. “That’s what makes American the greatest country in the world.” Rev. Myrlande DesRosiers, director of the Everett Haitian Community Center, thanked DeMaria for his ongoing partnership with the city’s Haitian community. She also spoke about the importance of the Haitian Flag. “It’s the flag – you don’t touch it – it’s sacred,” she said. Councillor-at-Large Gerly Adrien said her parents moved to the United States from Haiti 41 years ago in pursuit of the American Dream. “As Haitians, we can do the impossible; together we are powerful,” she said. “We will never be forgotten.” City announces annual Memorial Day services M ayor Carlo DeMaria recently announced that the city of Everett, in partnership with the Veterans Services Department, will be hosting its annual Memorial Day Services on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. Services will begin at 10 a.m. at Glenwood Cemetery. "Memorial Day is a time for our community to pay tribute to those who have gone before us," said DeMaria. "I am proud to join our Veterans Services Department at Glenwood Cemetery for our Annual Memorial Day Services to remember the brave men and women who served our country, and made the ultimate sacrifice. I look forward to gathering to honor our courageous fallen heroes." The services will be held at the Gold Star Pavilion within the cemetery. DeMaria as well as Director of Veterans Services Jeanne Cristiano, State Senator Sal DiDomenico, State Representative Joseph McGonagle, U.S. Coast Guard Warrant Officer Robert Leper and Bishop Robert Brown, senior pastor of Zion Church Ministries, are among those speaking at the event. Light refreshments will be served prior to the service. City to celebrate Pride Month M ayor Carlo DeMaria recently announced that the city will be raising the Pride Flag on Tuesday, June 1 to celebrate Pride Month. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. outside of City Hall. "I am proud to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and raise the Pride Flag in celebration of Pride Month," said DeMaria. "The City of Everett is a welcoming and inclusive community to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. As Mayor, I am committed to advocating for equality among all members of our community." Following the flag raising ceremony, DeMaria will be attending a ribbon cutting for the new LGBTQ+ Youth and Resource Center at the former Pope John XXIII High School. The center will be opening on June 1 to help youth growing up gay and struggling with the fear that it brings internally. The center hopes to be a resource to the community to help address the needs of our LGBTQ+ youth.
9 Publizr Home