2018 marks the 300th Anniversary of the formation of the great city of New Orleans, a city which is a true melting pot of so many peoples and cultures. For the occasion, the City welcomed the international diplomatic corps for a lively, auspicious, cultural celebration hosted by Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Governor John Bel Edwards, and the people of New Orleans.
To honor the deep and enduring ties between Haiti and New Orleans, the City invited the First Lady of the Republic of Haiti, Her Excellency Marie Etienne Martine Joseph Moḯse and the Haitian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Paul Altidor as special guests.
During his remarks, Ambassador Altidor expanded on the history shared between New Orleans and Haiti which dates back to the very early days of the city, starting with the arrival of residents of the French colony of Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti) in New Orleans during and after the Haitian Revolution of 1791 to 1804 which more than doubled the City’s population. As a result, a majority of New Orleanians of the subsequent period could claim Haitian parentage. “Since those early days, the Haitian community has continued to be an integral part of this wonderful city. Indeed, many in the Haitian community call New Orleans the northern-most city of the Caribbean!”
The festivities included an official welcoming ceremony of international dignitaries, panel discussions on economic development, a meet and greet between the First Lady and the Haitian-American community, and a gala for international guests at historic restored Gallier Hall.
On behalf of the people of Haiti, the Government of Haiti extends its utmost congratulations to the City of New Orleans on this monumental occasion.
Photo Credit: New Orleans Advocate and Office of the First Lady
