Motion advanced by Councilmembers Tunua Thrash-Ntuk and Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie
In a unanimous vote, the Long Beach City Council adjudicated that the Pan-African flag be raised alongside the Stars and Stripes on the Civic Center plaza during Black History Month. It is a potent accent toward the acknowledgement of black excellence, achievement and progress. One can always appreciate the City’s attempts to amplify its diverse and progressive vibe. This city says it’s committed to inclusion.
Beach City Perspective publisher Greg Johnson shared public comment where he said in part: “And so today we amplify black consciousness.. as we celebrate blackness in this progressive city, we honor that essence by raising the flag. Red symbolizing the blood shed in sacrifice toward equality. Black represents the people…. 8th district.. 9th district 6th district and other communities across the city. Green represents the land. The earth. True to our native land mother Africa…
The raising of the flag says yes, government sees us. And we support you. And if government sees and supports us, then our expectation of justice, equity in an intensely polarizing racial environment should not go void.
We should never forget the stony road we have trod. As a culture keeper I want to say to the City and most importantly to the people that yes! We should celebrate that city government is affirming black history. By all means. And yet it is still incumbent on us, The people, to tell our own story. It is our divine assignment to never forget. To control our narrative. And so do not be afraid to share our history with those in government positions. And to this in government positions have the humility to listen to the narratives and support where and how you can. . Mutual respect will result in collective love and unity in the beloved community.
I say raise the flag. And celebrate Black pride. Black dignity and the beauty of blackness. And while government raises the flag in the designated month that purports to acknowledge black history, I also say to the people celebrate your history today and everyday 365 days a year yes here in the City and indeed the world!