Jefferson Park Ministries

04/28/2026

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce a series of events in recognition of Haitian Heritage Month, taking place throughout May 2026. These events celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Haitian community in Union County and beyond.

“Kicking off Haitian Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the resilience, culture, and lasting contributions of the Haitian community,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Union County is proud to celebrate this heritage and bring residents together through meaningful events that recognize and uplift the diversity that strengthens our communities.”

The month-long celebration begins with the 3rd Annual Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony, hosted by the Union County Board of County Commissioners. The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 1st at 4:00 p.m. on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth. The event will feature opening remarks, an invocation, patriotic and cultural musical performances, and remarks from County officials and special guests. In recognition of the occasion, the Union County Courthouse will be illuminated in blue and red on May 1st, as well as on May 18th in honor of Haitian Flag Day.

“As a proud Haitian-American, this celebration is a powerful reminder of the history, strength, and resilience that define our community,” said Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort. “The story of Haiti is one of courage and perseverance, and that spirit continues to live on here in Union County through the families, traditions, and culture that enrich our communities every day. I am proud to stand with our residents in recognizing and honoring that legacy.”

In addition to the flag raising ceremony, the Union County Board of County Commissioners will showcase a collection of artwork from local artists in the Commissioners Gallery, located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building in Elizabeth. The exhibit will be open to the public Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., throughout the month of May.

“As one of the newest members of the Board and someone with Haitian roots, it’s especially meaningful to take part in this celebration,” said Commissioner Stanley J. Neron. “Haitian Heritage Month is a chance to recognize the contributions of a community that continues to shape Union County every day, and to bring people together in a way that reflects the strength and diversity of our residents. I’m proud to be part of that.”

Residents are encouraged to visit www.ucnj.org/haitianheritage to view the full calendar of events and stay up to date with the latest information and details. The Haitian Flag Raising Ceremony is presented in collaboration with the Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee of New Jersey.

For more information, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator, at (908) 527-4388 or via email at [email protected].

02/19/2026

Calling all Middle and High School students interested in being active in the Haitian community. Join tomorrow from 4pm-6pm at 550 North Ave, Ste B Union NJ 07083.

02/17/2026

Join us tomorrow in partnership with RWJ Trinitas Regional Medical Center at 3pm to discuss Stroke Awareness: Signs and Symptoms. The guest speak for the afternoon will be Regine Cadet.

01/28/2026

Join us every 2nd Thursday for JPM Inc Food Pantry !

01/17/2026

01/08/2026

Food Pantry Today! Registration is from 9am-1pm. Distribution of food will begin at 1pm while supplies last.

10/30/2025

05/19/2025

Let’s continue to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month Saturday May 24th, with Rhythm in the Park ! Join us from 2pm - 8pm at Jefferson Park in Elizabeth !
haitianheritagemonth , haitianheritage rhythminthepark elizabethnj unioncounty

05/01/2025

The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to announce the second annual Haitian flag-raising ceremony. This ceremony will take place on Friday, May 2nd 12:00pm on the steps of the Union County Courthouse, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.

“Raising the Haitian flag here in Union County is a celebration of unity and pride,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “As we gather for the second year, we are building a tradition that honors the Haitian community’s rich history, and reminds all of us that our diversity is our greatest strength. This is what community looks like, and I am proud to be part of it.”

The ceremony will begin with opening remarks from Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon, followed by a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Edess Damis, a Union County native of Haitian heritage and a host on UnionTV. Damis will also sing “La Dessalinienne,” the National Anthem of Haiti, as the Haitian flag is raised. An invocation will be given by reverend Moise “Mo” Paul, Pastor at Outreach Evangelism Ministries Church in Elizabeth. Remarks will be given by Commissioner Michèle Delisfort, Commissioner Sergio Granados, and Marline Edmond, the Chair of the Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee of NJ.

“As a Union County Commissioner, I am proud to celebrate Haitian Flag Day, a symbol of resilience, unity, and pride for the Haitian community,” said Union County Commissioner Michèle Delisfort. “In times where immigration has become a focal point of national discourse, it’s vital that we recognize and honor the contributions of Haitian immigrants, who have enriched our community with their culture, strength, and unwavering spirit. Let us come together to celebrate this significant day, acknowledging the rich heritage that shapes our diverse community.”

The following municipalities are planning their own Haitian flag raising events—be sure to reach out to them directly for more details:

• Tuesday, May 13 – Plainfield
• Thursday, May 14 – Union
• Friday, May 16 – Roselle
• Sunday, May 18 – Linden
• Monday, May 19 – Hillside
• Saturday, May 24 – Elizabeth
• Tuesday, May 27 – Rahway

In honor of Haitian Heritage Month, The Union County Board of County Commissioners is proud to present a collection of artworks from local artists in the Commissioners Gallery of the Union County Administration Building in Elizabeth. The gallery, located on the 6th floor, can be viewed Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.

The Haitian flag-raising ceremony was developed in collaboration with The Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee of NJ. For more information about the event, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator at (908) 527-4388 or via email at [email protected].