KNOW YOUR HISTORY!

Due to a shocking moment I experienced last month relating to the Black American Heritage Flag, I have included the history of the flag in this month’s Thoughts – Happenings and People. The African American Seniors Activity Center, Inc. sponsored the 20th Annual Flag Ceremony that was held on February 1, 2006 at the Springfield City Hall. The room was crowded with people, most of whom were African Americans, to officially open the celebration of Black History Month.

I was filled with deep pride to see a contingent of the Black Police Officers of Springfield, MA lining the rear wall. As the ceremony proceeded, I, as chairperson introduced the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. E. Henry Twiggs, who is also the Potentate of the Richard Allen Lodge of Masons, along with guest Shrine members wearing their bright red Fezzes. Keshawn Dodds, aide to Mayor Charles V. Ryan, brought greetings from the Mayor. Representative Benjamin Swan and John Bracey, Professor of African Studies at UMass, were also among the many dignitaries presenting their thoughts about the flag and Black History Month.

After leaving the ceremony, I noted that the flag was flying at half-mast in remembrance of Mrs. Coretta Scott King. A few days later as I was passing City Hall, I turned with pride to look at the flag. At first, I slowed my car and then stopped completely because the flag was not on the pole. In its place, fluttering from the pole, was a small white and gold Canadian flag and not the Black American Heritage flag. I immediately contacted Mayoral Aide Dodds, who told me the flag was only scheduled to fly for that one day on February 1st. I reminded him of the Ordinance passed in 1986 by the Springfield City Council honoring the presence of the flag and its history, which was lead by city councilors Vincent DiMonaco and Morris Jones. I told him the Black American Heritage Flag was to continue flying in front of City Hall throughout February, as it continues to fly in the Mason Square Triangle every day. n