Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 29, 2026 Tenth annual Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony honors Everett’s Haitian community Everett and EHCC mark a decade of Haitian Heritage Month celebrations Special to The Advocate T he City of Everett and the Everett Haitian Community Center (EHCC) marked 10 years of the Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday, May 18, at Everett City Hall, celebrating Haitian Heritage Month and the contributions of one of Everett’s largest communities. “The Haitian Revolution resulted in the first Black republic and the first nation founded through a successful revolt of enslaved people,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “Today, we are proud to recognize the many Haitian-American residents, leaders, clergy, educators, nonprofit organizations, youth leaders, and business owners who contribute to Everett.” Massachusetts consistently ranks among the top three states in Haitian population, with Everett serving as a key cultural hub alongside Boston, Brockton and Randolph. Thousands of Everett residents identify as Haitian. State Representatives Joe McGonagle and Judith García, Councillor-at-Large Guerline Alcy Jabouin and Consul Mergeline Lochard of the Consulate General of Haiti in Boston offered remarks, along with community and faith leaders. Representatives from the offices of Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley were also in attendance. Mateo Rull Garza presented a distinguished recognition to EHCC on behalf of Congresswoman Pressley’s office. “This annual celebration shows that the Haitian community is an integral pillar of this city,” EHCC Executive DiSUPPORTS | FROM PAGE 5 In a letter to each he wrote, “Thank you for your commitment to serve in the US Marine Corps. We are proud of you. The scholarship you have received is in memory of my father, Frank Mastrocola. He was a great man, and I believe, became a great man, in part, from his experience in the Pictured from left to right: Digital Creator/Entrepreneur Mecca Grimo Marcelin, Rev. Jean J.M. Louis, Carl Williams of Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s Office, Consul Mergeline Lochard, Mayor Robert Van Campen, State Rep. Judith García, Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins, Rev. Dr. Myrlande DesRosiers, Councillor-at-Large Guerline Alcy Jabouin and Rev. Dr. Daniel Auguste pose at the 10th Annual Haitian Flag Raising at City Hall. Digital Creator/Entrepreneur Mecca Grimo Marcelin and Mayor Robert J. Van Campen pose at the 10th Haitian Flag Raising at City Hall. Annual rector Rev. Dr. Myrlande DesRosiers said. “From elders who paved the way, to young leaders claiming their seats at the table, to cultural leaders who create spaces for Haitian culture to shine — Haitians are here, we are loud, and we are proud.” Six community members received EHCC Community HonU.S. Marine Corps. Throughout his life, he was a proud Marine. When he was asked why he chose to fight in WW II as a Marine, he said, ‘They have the best training, and I wanted to be the best.’ You will soon be in bootcamp. It will be tough, but the Marine Corps knows what they’re doing. The drill instructors know their limits and they will know yours. Each Community members cheer and wave Haitian flags at the 10th Ceremony at City Hall. orees recognition for their support of the Haitian community: Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins, Councillor-at-Large Katy Rogers, Marie Stéphanie A. Pierre, Mary Hopkins, Gerly Adrien and John Hanlon. Cultural performances included poetry, dance, music and youth participation from Everett Public Schools’ Emergday, you will become stronger, and you’ll be ready for the next day’s work. We know you don’t need a scholarship for expenses. There is no tuition at Parris Island. But there is a graduation ceremony that is as good as any college’s. We thought this money could be used to help pay for your family’s travel expenses to Parris Island. When my son and nephing Bright Stars program and Haitian Heritage Club. Poet Mecca Grimo Marcelin performed a piece dressed in historical garb featuring the lambi, a conch shell that is a symbol of the Haitian Revolution. Rev. Dr. DesRosiers added: “The strength of this city lies in its diversity. But living in ew became Marines, we could not have been more proud. I hope your family and close friends can be with you when you graduate. There’s no graduation ceremony like it! Please consider saving this money until then. You may want to use it for family travel. If they don’t need or want the money, use it for a fabulous party!” Figueroa said he chose to Annual Haitian Flag Raising harmony with people who are different from us is not always easy. It takes an open mind and heart, compassion, and a willingness to find beauty in what is unfamiliar. Up close, a mosaic might seem nonsensical. But step back, and you see the wonderful image every piece of this city contributed to making.” join the military, in part, because college is so expensive and service will help pay for it later. “We’re very proud of him,” his mother Karla Marquez said. “He’s worked hard and it paid off.” Baez said he wanted to be the first in his extended family to serve. “We’re very happy for him and proud of him,” his uncle Christian Baez said.
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