Flossmoor Celebrates Black History Month 2021

FLOSSMOOR, IL — February is Black History Month and here in Flossmoor, the village has taken multiple initiatives to celebrate.

One action the village has taken to celebrate the month is displaying the Pan African Flag —also referred to as the Marcus Garvey, UNIA, Afro-American or Black Liberation flag — throughout the downtown area. The colors of the flag — red, green and black — symbolize solidarity for those of African descent around the world, according to the Pan African Alliance.

The colors of the flags all have specific meanings. The alliance said Red, the color of blood, represents millions of martyrs who lost their lives for liberty, unification, and redemption. The alliance said black represents color, melanin — the bodily chemical that produces skin pigmentation. Green represents fertility, productivity, and prosperity; and the unification of Africa into one nation, the alliance states.

"The Village of Flossmoor proudly celebrates Black History Month, a month during which we recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans to our national landscape. This month, we display the Pan African flag throughout our downtown," Flossmoor said. "By taking time to recognize Black History Month, we acknowledge that our community is strengthened by our diversity and that representation is important. We display the flag to strengthen the bonds of solidarity, celebrate our differences and to continue to promote social and economic progress for Black Americans that has been delayed by centuries of injustice."

The village is also hosting a live, virtual, bilingual, storytelling presentation by Edith Armstrong on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. The children and adult friendly presentation aims to focus on voting rights and social justice. Those who attend are encouraged to bring their musical instrument of choice for an interactive experience. See more information, here.