Thursday, February 1, 2024, Municipality of Port Hope Council, alongside staff and community members, united with forward-thinking municipalities and organizations to commemorate the
beginning of Black History Month. This was marked by a distinguished Pan-African flag raising at Town Hall.
The Pan-African flag was created in 1920 by the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). Also known as the Black Liberation flag, it was designed by Jamaican political activist Marcus Garvey Jr.
This tri-color flag consists of three equal horizontal bands colored Red, Black, and Green. Red represents the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry and the blood that was shed in the fight for freedom. The black represents the people as the nation. The green represents the wealth of Africa through its natural beauty and abundance.
“The raising of the Pan-African flag is a symbol of our collective commitment to honor and celebrate Black History Month. It serves as a reminder of our ongoing journey towards equality and recognition of the rich heritage and significant contributions of the Black community. Let this flag stand as a beacon of unity, diversity, and respect, reflecting our dedication to fostering an inclusive society for all.”
During the event, the Mayor emphasized Council’s commitment to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and anti-racism in partnership with the community.
Additionally, representatives from the Federal and Provincial governments conveyed their greetings on behalf of MP Philip Lawrence and MPP David Piccini.
The Mayor also proclaimed February 2024 as Black History Month in the Municipality of Port Hope. Both the proclamation and the flag raising requests were advanced following outreach from residents in the community.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
