On Tuesday, the Antioch City Council agreed to fly The Pan-African Flag at City Hall through Juneteenth.
The move came after the city council agenda originally proposed the flag fly throughout the month of February in recognition of Black History Month in the City of Antioch—which meant a total of two days as the council voted on the item on February 27. February ends February 29.
Leslie May spoke during public comments saying she wanted it to fly for a month. She also wanted to see it return every year.
“Being that this is my month, I want it flown for a whole month so we need to carry this over through March,” stated May. “I would like to see this yearly as we have other flags being flown throughout the year. Why should this flag be any different. So, I want to see the flag flown the entire year, just like the other flags. I am proud of my heritage.”
Tashina Garret provided background information to the City Council regarding The Pan-African Flag noting it was created in 1920 to represent people of African Diaspora and to symbolize black liberation in the United States—the red to symbolize the blood that was shed, the black to symbolize those bodies that were beaten and burned, and the green to represent the land that was stolen.
After public comments, Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe stated the request originally was made by Antioch ACCE who said they did submit the request in a timely fashion and the flag should have been flown the entire month of February.
“The mayor messed up because we had a new process and I assumed it was an administrative process. We looked at the processes again and said Thomas (city attorney) review this and send it to city council so it came to this meeting,” shared Hernandez-Thorpe who proposed they fly the flag through June. “That would be my request for dropping the ball.”
Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson made a motion to fly the flag through Juneteenth.
The council approved the motion in a 5-0 vote.
Antioch Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate this Juneteenth with the City of Antioch at the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration happening on Saturday, June 15th at Williamson Ranch Park, where we come together to honor freedom, culture, and community. Join us for a day of reflection that showcases the richness of African American heritage as we embrace the vibrancy and resiliency of Black culture. This event features live performances, music, food, games, and much more — more information.
7 comments
Much like the National Anthem, I guess the American flag is not sufficient for some? Both of those are inclusive of ALL Americans and symbolize our heritage, strength, and unity (as opposed to ……)
Big bunch of crap!
They want to be equal but separate.
I think choosing what flag to fly is nowhere as important as our city being thrashed and a mayor who is a total idiot …
Other than this momentous decision, did the council accomplish ANYTHING at the meeting?
you get what you deserve Antioch.
So I guess flying a flag was more important than addressing all ongoing crime in our city. What about all other cultures? Are you going to honor them the same and fly their flag for a couple of months too? Or are you just thinking about yourselves? Can’t claim racism when you are doing the same thing.
“Truthbetold” Thank You, I’ve been saying the same since that humiliating FB rant by TTW way back in Dec of 21 after her kids were driving crazy. Mayor gets away scott free on his DUI. And sexual harrassment case. All of which have zero to do with the color of Anybodys skin. Your just bad people. You’ve both been bad for Antioch. Every step of the way trying to divide, alienate and separate. I’ve lived in Antioch since 1964. I’ve never experienced racism here until now. I’ve been cussed at, theatened, one women took the soda I wanted to buy and threw it off the register to take my spot in line. I’ve been pushed had things thrown at my car. Been Cut off, Tailgated and Harassed. I see people throwing garbage out of they’re window. Not into a garbage can. Just out into the street. Who does that? Where are you from? If you hate Antioch and those of us that call it home, so much. Go back or just go away! We should be flying our United States Flag up side down for the rest of his tenure. We’re definitely in destress.
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