Union County Flag Raising
The month-long celebration begins with a Haitian Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony on May 1st at 4pm in the Union County Courthouse Rotunda, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth.
This ceremony officially marks the start of the county’s observance of Haitian Heritage Month, honoring Haiti’s rich history, culture, and enduring contributions to the community.
Flag Raisings around the County
Haitian Heritage Month celebration will also feature a series of events throughout May. Please check with the event contact to confirm all dates, times, and details.
The county’s Haitian Heritage Month celebration will also feature a series of events held throughout Union County municipalities. Please check with the event contact to confirm all dates, times, and details.
Union County Art Exhibit
Throughout the month of May, residents are encouraged to visit the Haitian Heritage Month Exhibit in the Commissioners Gallery, which celebrates Haiti’s rich history and culture by highlighting the lives and contributions of leaders, artists, and community members both locally and globally.
Materials on display have been generously provided by community partners and local contributors, showcasing the vibrant heritage and enduring impact of the Haitian community in Union County. Residents and guests are invited to visit this free exhibit.
The exhibit is located on the 6th floor of the Union County Administration Building at 10 Elizabethtown Plaza in Elizabeth and will be open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the month of May.
Roberto Benoit
Roberto Benoit is a creative artist whose work blends passion, social justice, and storytelling. From an early age, he was drawn to the world of visual art through cartoons and multimedia, while his father, a social worker, instilled in him a deep commitment to community service.
This combination of creative curiosity and a heart for service shapes Roberto’s unique artistic journey. Skilled in photography, videography, and design, Roberto’s art merges these talents with his focus on social justice. Using digital collage, he creates vibrant, imaginative worlds that amplify the voices of marginalized communities and offer a hopeful perspective.
Rolande Fabien
Rolande Fabien is a painter, whose work is inspired by the serene beauty of nature, my work features abstract expressions, vibrant landscapes, and bird-themed art. Art is her passion and her way of translating emotions and experiences into visual expressions.
Specializing in acrylic on canvas and abstract concepts Fabien’s work delves into the realms of nature, cosmic wonders, and spirituality.
Through abstract art she find a powerful way to convey her emotions and experiences — often speaking more deeply to the audience than realism ever could.
Tamar Antoine
Tamar Antoine was born in Canada and proudly carries her Haitian heritage. During her young adult years, she discovered a deep passion for self-expression and began to step into her voice.
It was during this formative time that she also uncovered her love for writing. Rooted in culture and fueled by creativity, Tamar’s journey as a writer and poet reflects her cultural pride, personal growth, and the transformative power of finding and embracing one’s voice
Patrick Joseph
Patrick Joseph is a visual storyteller whose work captures moments that resonate beyond the frame. With a thoughtful eye for detail and composition, his photography reflects a deep appreciation for culture, identity, and lived experience.
His contributions to this exhibition offer a perspective that is both reflective and evocative, inviting viewers to pause, observe, and interpret each image in their own way.
A local Union County resident, Patrick Joseph brings a community-rooted perspective to his work, with a meaningful connection to the Haitian community.
Paul Chinnery
Paul Chinnery Photography is rooted in the belief that the most powerful images come from real moments, genuine emotion, and honest storytelling. With a documentary and photojournalistic approach, we capture life as it unfolds—authentic, unscripted, and meaningful. Our work focuses on preserving the energy, emotion, and details that often go unnoticed, creating images that tell complete stories rather than just isolated moments.
From intimate personal milestones to large-scale events, branding sessions, weddings, engagements, and community stories, every project is approached with a storyteller’s eye and a commitment to truth in imagery. We believe photography should do more than look beautiful—it should make people feel something, remember something, and connect to something real.
At Paul Chinnery Photography, the goal is simple: to create timeless visual narratives that document life with depth, purpose, and authenticity.
Haitian Heritage Month Coloring Book
Celebrate Haitian Heritage Month with our special edition coloring book!
A limited number of printed copies are available on a first-come, first-served basis—so be sure to claim yours while supplies last.
To request a copy, please contact Judith Guest, Community Engagement & Diversity Coordinator at 908-527-4388 or via email at Judith.Guest@ucnj.org.
You can also click each image above to access printable PDFs.
Interested in getting involved?
Reach out to the Haitian Flag Day Planning Committee of New Jersey (HFDPCNJ), Inc. by email at haitianflagdaynj@gmail.com or follow @haitianflagdaynj on social media for additional information.