Wyclef Jean headlines star-studded Second Annual Haitian Day Parade NYC

Pre-eminent Haitian artist Wyclef Jean on Saturday headlined the Second Annual Haitian Day Parade NYC in Central Park, Manhattan, honoring and celebrating Haitian Heritage Month.

Hundreds enjoyed the star-studded lineup of Haitian artists and performers, including Jean, who served as Grand Marshal, alongside elected officials, comprising Mayor Eric Adams, Haitian-American legislators and community organizations.

The widely-attended and successful event honored Haiti’s 220th year of independence.

“While Haiti is going through immense turmoil, with so many in our New York communities affected, this event was much more than a parade,” Jean told Caribbean Life afterwards.

“It served as a unifying uplift for our spirits, as brothers and sisters of the Diaspora connected and honored the 220th anniversary of our nation’s independence,” he added.

Wyclef Jean honored with a City Council Proclamation, from left: Jensen Desrosiers of JD & Associates and owner of Anba Tonel; Debbi Esther Louis, director of NYC Intergovernmental Affairs for the Executive Chamber; Wyclef Jean; and Council Member Farah N. Louis with supporters. Photo by Steve Azor

Jensen Desrosiers of JD & Associates and co-owner of Anba Tonel, said: “It was an honor to help organize the Haitian Parade NYC, commemorating the 220th Anniversary of Haiti’s independence from France.

“Taking into account that we only had three weeks to prepare, we are pleased with the results,” he said.

Haitians parade on a float during the second Haitian Day Parade NYC in Manhattan. Photo by Shona N. Duncan

Glenda Elie of Elie Enterprises and co-owner of Anba Tonel described as “an immense success” this year’s Haitian Parade NYC, stating that it showcased heritage and culture through costumes, art and music.

“More importantly, we proved that, when we come together, we can create something beautiful in as little as three weeks,” she said.

Michel Chataigne, international fashion, hair and beauty designer, said she was “honored to play a part in Haitian Parade NYC to represent Haiti’s rich culture.

“This is why I quickly jumped on the first plane out of Port-au-Prince (the Haitian capital) in like four months and came to New York to work on the costumes, where we made over 100 costumes in seven days with community members, who had never done this sort of work before,” she added.

Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Wyclef Jean, Council Member Farah N. Louis, and the community. Photo by Steve Azor

Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the Haitian-American chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said: “Our city’s great diversity is proudly showcased and embraced through cultural celebrations that make every immigrant and communities from all backgrounds feel welcome.

“New York City has one of the largest Haitian populations in the world, and the massively successful Haitian Heritage Parade reflected the growing recognition and respect of our communities,” said the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn. “As a Haitian-American legislator representing Brooklyn’s Little Haiti, I’m committed to fostering cultural awareness and empowerment of the Haitian community, as we look towards making this important event even more impactful next year.

“I deeply thank all of our sponsors and organizers, alongside my Haitian sisters in the City Council, Farah Louis and Rita Joseph,” she added. “This prominent display of Haitian influence and impact is not limited to one day; it’s building an everlasting legacy of unity and pride.”

Wyclef Jean performs during the Second Annual Haitian Day Parade NYC in Central Park, Manhattan. Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn (left) and City Council member Farah Louis are at his side. Photo by Shona N. Duncan

Louis, the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants, who represents the 45th Council District in Brooklyn, said she was “extremely grateful to Haitian Parade NYC and Mayor Eric Adams for hosting the second annual New York City Haitian Day Parade.

“It was an honor to have rapper, musician and Haiti’s own Wyclef as our Grand Marshal,” she said. “The vibrant costumes, dancers, and live music reflected the Haitian Diaspora’s resilience, pride and unity.

“In a time of turmoil in Haiti, this parade stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity,” Louis added. “As Haiti faces challenging times, we remain committed to fighting and advocating for its rehabilitation, stability and growth.”

Joseph, the Haitian-born representative for the adjacent 40th Council District, also in Brooklyn, said: “As we come together to honor Haiti’s 220th year of Independence, we are not just commemorating a historical milestone; we are celebrating the enduring spirit and strength of the Haitian people.

“Despite Haiti going through moments of adversity, we came together and highlighted our ability to persevere in our history and stand together in solidarity,” she said. “It is a testament to our rich cultural heritage and our unwavering commitment to supporting one another, especially in times of crisis.

“Let us take this moment to reflect on our shared history, renew our sense of community, and continue to draw inspiration from our collective strength, as we move forward,” Joseph added.