On Wednesday, May 3rd, the City of Miramar (Broward County, Southeast Florida, more than 100,000 people) on behalf of Mayor Wayne Messam, presented the Consulate General of Haiti in Miami the proclamation of the month of May as Haitian Heritage Month.

"PROCLAMATION

HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH

MAY 2017

WHEREAS, Haiti, a word meaning 'Land of Mountains', was given its name by ts first inhabitants; and

WHEREAS, the first black nation to gain its independence in 1804; and

WHEREAS, for a country's citizens, the national flag is indisputably a symbol of great pride, with the Haitian community equally proud; and

WHEREAS, our vibrant Haitian community has contributed tremendously to the vitality of our City with rich cultural influences; and

WHEREAS, Miramar residents elected Commissioner Darline B. Riggs, the City's first Haitian-American to serve on the City's Commission; and

WHEREAS, throughout this month, the Haitian Community will gather and celebrate their heritage through historical and cultural traditions and observances;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WAYNE MESSAM, Mayor of the City of Miramar, and on behalf of the City Commission, do hereby proclaim the month of May as HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH in the city of Miramar and encourage all citizens to join me in honoring the growing Haitian Community in the City of Miramar and also in celebrating the unique history,culture and people of the Republic of Haiti.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I do hereby set my hand and cause the the Seal of the City of Miramar to be affixed this 3rd Day of May 2017.

Mayor Wayne M. Messam."

HL/ HaitiLibre