Bill > HR381

This resolution recognizes January 1, 2026, as "Haitian Independence Day" in Pennsylvania, commemorating the historic moment in 1804 when Haiti became the world's first Black Republic by gaining independence from French colonial rule. The resolution provides historical context about the Haitian Revolution, which began in 1791 and lasted over a decade, resulting in the liberation of enslaved people and the establishment of an independent nation, albeit at the tremendous cost of approximately 345,000 lives. The document highlights the revolution's significance, noting its impact on world history and specifically on Pennsylvania, where it inspired local Black resistance movements and protests against slavery. The resolution also acknowledges the current Haitian population in Pennsylvania, with over 27,000 residents contributing to the state's cultural diversity, and aims to honor the extraordinary courage and fight for freedom demonstrated by the Haitian revolutionaries while recognizing the universal human right to be free from oppression.

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https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hr381