Albany – Monday, Assemblymembers Rodneyse Bichotte, Michaelle Solages, Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Clyde Vanel, and Ellen Jaffee, as well as Senators Kevin Parker and David Carlucci, hosted the largest Haitian Unity Day to date, as almost 200 of their dignitaries, colleagues, and constituents all came to Albany to take part in this celebration. This event was also co-sponsored by 40+ other state Legislators including Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins.

Haitian Unity Day was originated by Assemblymember Ellen Jaffee who represents Rockland County and has a significant Haitian population in her district. It was created so that Haitian Americans from throughout the State would have a day to celebrate their culture and the significant contributions that Haitians have made to State of New York and the United States.

Participants enjoyed a tour of the Capitol, and a fantastic lunch. They also visited both the Senate and Assembly Chambers, and had an opportunity to be acknowledged on the Assembly floor before the adoption of Resolution 1130 establishing May 7, 2018 as Haitian Unity Day in New York State.

This year, the sponsors honored Karine Jean-Pierre. Ms. Jean-Pierre is CNN, MSNBC contributor as well as the National Spokesperson for moveon.org. She has a very robust history in activism, organizing and political campaigns even serving in White House under the Administration of President Barack Obama as the Regional Political Director for the White House Office of Political Affairs. She has been an outspoken advocate for the Haitian community and fellow immigrant communities. 

This year, attendees were treated to outstanding performances from Earline Dorsainvil, who delivered magnificent renditions of both the US National Anthem and the Haitian National Anthem and Ester Duclair from Newbirth Evangelical Christian Church, who astounded all with her voice and the violin.