With the current state of chaos in Haiti at the forefront, the annual celebratory Boston Haitian American Unity Parade could not go on without serious thought and solidarity with those who suffer perilous conditions on the home island.

So, just as thousands of Haitian Americans and their Dorchester and Mattapan neighbors celebrated last Sunday (May 19) with the 22nd annual parade up Blue Hill Avenue – there was a concerted effort to reinforce this year’s theme – Standing United in Solidarity with Haiti.

“It is my joy to be here on Blue Hill Avenue rain or shine and celebrating our flag,” said Council President Ruthzee Louijeune as she launched the parade from Mattapan Square. “We look forward to this every year. We have the right to celebrate even as we work for a better Haiti and even as we work for a better diaspora. We will celebrate our flag and our place in history, and we will march down Blue Hill Avenue.”

Added Rev. Dieufort ‘Keke’ Fleurissaint: “Thanks to everyone for coming to support the Haitian community, but also coming to support Haiti. This year’s theme…is unity and solidarity with Haiti. Despite what Haiti is going through, we stand with us, and we know Haiti will stand again on its feet because you care about Haiti.”

The annual parade proceeds up Blue Hill Avenue from Mattapan Square to Harambee Park in Franklin Field. It is coordinated by Haitian Americans United (HAU) and celebrates Haitian Flag Day, which is May 19. Several community organizations, bands, and dance troupes enlivened the parade route, and there was food and performances in Harambee Park afterward.

The Pathfinders drum and bugle corps beat an outstanding cadence up and down Blue Hill Avenue.

Markenley Mogelin played the role of Henri Christophe, a revolution leader and early president of Haiti.

Haitian American police officers Lt. Stanley Demesmin and Det. Serge Sanon. Demesmin was one of the first Haitian American lieutenants on the Boston Police.

Evangeline Lucien, wife of artist Charlot Lucien, shows off her traditional fashions.

More than 100 officers of Haitian American descent from various departments marched in unity as the Haitian American Law Enforcement Community in this year’s parade.

Staff and volunteers from the Boston Missionary Baptist Church Community Center on Dudley Street had a big presence in this year’s parade.

Students and staff from the Toussaint Louverture Academy at the Mattahunt Elementary School in Mattapan marched proudly once again this year.

Haitian Revolution re-enactors were a big presence in this year’s parade, representing original leaders from the early days of Haiti. (L-R) Jean-Jacque Dessalines (played by Standley), Toussaint Louverture (Junior Buissereth), and Francois ‘La Mort’ Capois (Ernso Murat).

District Attorney Kevin Hayden, Councillor Ed Flynn, Grand Marshal Donald Alexis, Dieufort ‘Keke’ Fleurissaint, and Council President Ruthzee Louijeune.

The head of the parade proclaimed the Boston Haitian community’s unity and solidarity with their island home during the current troubles.

Vivien Morris of Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, Guale Valdez, president and CEO of Mattapan Community Health Center, and State Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley set off on the parade route from Mattapan Square.

A large crowd of folks from Immigrant Family Service Institute (IFSI) in Mattapan Square marched up ahead of a large American flag on Sunday.