COMMUNITY UNITY

Community celebrates raising of the Pan-African Flag

The three Pan-African colors on the flag represent: red: the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry, and shed for liberation; black: black people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag; and green: the abundant natural wealth of Africa.

That representation will now waive proudly in Lorain after the flag was raised on June 11 during the Juneteenth “Unity in the Community” flag raising at the Lorain Port Authority, 421 Black River Road.

The celebration began with words from Marlene Duffy, president of Lorain County Section of National Council

“I hope this flag helps to inspire us..”

— Sylvia Duvall, program chair of the National Council of Negro Women

of Negro Women, Jean Wrice, chairperson of the Harrison Cultural Community Centre, Rev. Loversier Lewis of Second Baptist Church in Lorain, Sylvia Duvall, program chair of the National Council of Negro Women and Rev. Ray Robinson of Living Word Church in Lorain.

The Pan-African flag is a tri-color flag. The flag was generated by the United Negro Improvement Association with civil rights activist Marcus Garvey.

“In 1920, – because of the song “Every Race Has a Flag but the Coon”– he decided that he wanted to have a flag for the African American community, so that they would no longer be considered people without a flag, people without loyalty,” Duvall said.

Duvall wanted the flag installed to keep the African American community’s presence in Lorain.

“Our people have contributed so much to this country, and it’s time that we show that contribution with this flag,” she said.

Robinson said the raising of the flag shows the community is raising something that will have to stand and deal with the elements of the atmosphere.

“I hope this flag helps to inspire us,” he said.

Duvall couldn’t be more happy with the installation of the flag.

“It is truly a blessing to see this finally happen and have our pride and unity in the African American community waiving in Lorain,” she said.

KHADIJA SMITH — THE MORNING JOURNAL Veterans Ernest Battle, Samuel Felton, Jesse Hill and James Carter help raise the Pan-African flag on June 11 during the Juneteenth “Unity in the Community” Flag Raising at the Lorain Port Authority, 421 Black River Road.