The Uniondale Community celebrates Haitian Flag Day

Posted Friday, May 29, 2026 8:01 am

The Mikerline Dance Company of Valley Stream performs traditional Haitian-inspired dances during Uniondale’s Haitian Flag Day celebration, highlighting Haitian culture through music and movement.

Kevin Tobin/Herald photos

Students from Lawrence Road Middle School’s Haitian Club perform during Uniondale’s Haitian Flag Day celebration, representing the school as part of the cultural showcase.

Kevin Tobin/Herald photos

Marie Sonia Saint Rose, president of SHALI, stands beside the Haitian flag during Uniondale’s Haitian Flag Day celebration honoring Haitian heritage and culture.

Kevin Tobin/Herald photos

American and Haitian flags are displayed side by side symbolizing community pride and cultural unity.

Kevin Tobin/Herald photos

Penelope Noze and Jensen Noze, both 4, and students of Uniondale take a photo opportunity next to the Haitian flag.

Kevin Tobin/Herald photos

Performance by musician JayFlexn, of Haitian decent performs traditional Haitian music including his own original tracks. He entertained the attendees as part of the event’s cultural showcase.

Kevin Tobin/Herald photos

Nassau County Legislator Viviana Russell, left, attends the district event with Uniondale Board of Education Vice President with Adelina Blanco-Harvey and Estrella Olivares-Orellana, director of Multilingual Learners.

Kevin Tobin/Herald photos

By Stacy Driks

The Uniondale community came together Saturday, May 16, at Cornelius Court School to celebrate Haitian Flag Day with music, cultural pride and community spirit.

Students, families, organizations, district staff members, board trustees and Nassau County Legislator Vivian Russell attended the celebration, which highlighted Haitian heritage and unity throughout the community.

Haitian Flag Day, celebrated annually on May 18, honors the creation of Haiti’s flag during the Haitian Revolution and recognizes the country’s history as the first independent Black republic.

According to Haitian history, revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines created the first Haitian flag by removing the white stripe from the French tricolor flag, symbolizing the rejection of French colonial rule and the unity of Black and mixed-race Haitians fighting for freedom. The blue and red colors became symbols of independence and resistance.

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The Uniondale Community celebrates Haitian Flag Day

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