In recognition of Haitian Flag Day, Mayor E. Denise Simmons issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS: May 18th has been celebrated as Haitian Flag Day for generations, commemorating the flag’s creation in 1803 by Jean-Jacques Dessalines at the Congress of Arcahaie and recognizing the history, culture, and heritage of the Haitian people as they created their nation through a struggle for freedom that resonated across the globe and inspired independence movements in Latin America, Asia, and Africa; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is home to a large Haitian community which is an integral part of the fabric of the City and contributes immeasurably to the entire City; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Peace Commission and the Cambridge-Haiti Sister City Committee have worked diligently since the devastating January 2010 earthquake to create a sustainable, two-way relationship and partnership with the City of Les Cayes, Haiti; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Haiti Sister City Project launched its training in emergency medicine in June 2016 and is building on that successful collaborative effort with the Cambridge Public Health Department, the Cambridge Health Alliance, and Professional Ambulance; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and its residents are cognizant that ongoing support is needed as the island nation is still recovering from the earthquake, the initial epidemic of cholera and continuing outbreaks, and the effects of hurricane Matthew in October 2016, and every individual in the Haitian community has family and friends who continue to be impacted by these momentous disasters; and
WHEREAS: There are currently approximately 50,000 Haitian citizens residing in the United States by benefit of federal Temporary Protective Status, which must be renewed by the Department of Homeland Security by May 22, 2017 to continue that status; therefore be it
PROCLAIMED: That Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons hereby proclaims Thursday, May 18, 2017 Haitian Flag Day in Cambridge; and be it further
PROCLAIMED: That residents of Cambridge are encouraged to take note of and honor the Haitian community, its history, and its role in and contributions to Cambridge; and be it further
PROCLAIMED: That residents of Cambridge are encouraged to contact Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and urge him to extend Temporary Protective Status for Haitian citizens to ensure their safety, security, and wellbeing; and be it further
PROCLAIMED: That a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution be provided to the Cambridge-Haiti Sister City Committee and to the Consulate General of Haiti in New England.
Mayor E. Denise Simmons
Thursday, the 18th day of May, 2017