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FL H8053
Resolution
Status
2/17/2026
Primary Sponsor
Dotie Joseph
Click for details
AI Summary
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Designates October 17, 2026, as "Jean-Jacques Dessalines Day" in Florida to honor the founding father of Haiti who proclaimed Haitian independence on January 1, 1804
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Recognizes Dessalines as the first ruler of independent Haiti under the 1805 Constitution and the first emperor of Haiti beginning in 1804
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Acknowledges that under Dessalines, Haiti became the first country in the Americas to permanently abolish slavery
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Notes the date commemorates the anniversary of Dessalines' assassination on October 17, 1806, which is celebrated annually in Haiti as Dessalines Day
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Cites the strong connection between Haiti and Florida, with hundreds of thousands of Haitian Americans residing in South Florida
Legislative Description
Jean-Jacques Dessalines Day
Last Action
Adopted by Publication
3/10/2026