Saturday event to celebrate Haitian Independence Day, foster unity

Haiti gained its independence from France on Jan. 1, 1804 after a revolution that lasted about 13 years.

During French colonial rule of the country, Haitians were forced to grow and cultivate squash, which was then used to make soup joumou. Haitians were forbidden to eat the soup, and now it signifies freedom.

Springfield’s Haitian population was scrutinized by the nation when the city was launched into the national spotlight in September following unfounded rumors that the immigrants were eating people’s pets. What followed were dozens of bomb threats, as well as hateful rhetoric directed toward the Haitian population.

The Haitian Community Alliance, a movement of Haitian and non-Haitian groups that aims to support the Haitian community and businesses as well as foster community, will also present its second edition of the Alliance Magazine at the event.

Saturday’s event aims to foster unity, promote inclusion and connection, as well as celebrate Haitian history, according to the HCA.

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey