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Forest Park to explore hosting Haitian Flag Day with Georgia Haitian American Chamber and Haiti Consulate
Summary
City officials heard a proposal to partner with the Georgia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce and the Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta to host a Haitian Flag Day celebration at the Forest Park Amphitheater; council asked staff to return with a memorandum of understanding for a future meeting.
Forest Park city officials heard a proposal to partner with the Georgia Haitian American Chamber of Commerce and the Consulate General of Haiti in Atlanta to host a Haitian Flag Day celebration at the Forest Park Amphitheater.
The chamber’s president, Dr. Ronald (as identified in the meeting transcript), described the proposed event as a cultural festival to mark the 222nd anniversary of the Haitian flag’s creation. Organizers said the event would include live music, dance, spoken-word performances, a business expo, networking, and food vendors. The presenters said the event is intended to promote cultural pride, cross‑community engagement and economic development for Haitian American entrepreneurs and other small businesses.
Council members asked questions about logistics, fees and public-safety planning. City staff said the item was placed on the regular agenda but removed because a related contract the city had planned to use for auction/disposition of surplus items was expiring; staff said they will bring a memorandum of understanding (MOU) back to council in April and that staff and legal counsel will draft partnership details before the council approves any fee waivers or contracts. Organizers said vendor fees would be charged to sellers, not to attendees, and that proceeds from any vendor sales would be used to cover event costs.
Council members spoke in favor of the idea in principle and asked staff to work with the chamber and the consulate to define the partnership, security and any financial arrangements. Councilman Gutierrez suggested partnering with local schools and community groups to expand educational outreach; several council members stressed the need for clear written agreements before the city commits to fee waivers or other in‑kind support.
The council did not take a final vote on a partnership at the meeting; staff said they will return with a draft MOU and contract options for a future meeting, and that council members could review details in advance.
