How a bold vision in 1920 birthed the iconic red, black, and green Pan-African flag that unites millions today.
In 1920, Marcus Garvey and the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) unveiled the red, black, and green Pan-African flag during their convention in New York City. Garvey’s vision was to create a symbol of unity, pride, and resistance for people of African descent worldwide. The flag’s colors—red for the bloodshed in the fight for liberation, black for the people, and green for the lush lands of Africa—capture the essence of Pan-Africanism and its enduring fight for justice.
Remember to Fly the Red, Black & Green on August 17!
This post is a part of a series The Symbol of Unity: Unveiling the Red, Black & Green by the Institute of the Black World 21st Century. August 17, 1887 is the birthday of the Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey; therefore, we celebrate this day (Aug 17) as Universal Pan African Flag Day.
Also See
- The Birth of a Banner
- Marcus Garvey: The Man Behind the Movement
- The Colors of Strength
- The UNIA: Foundation of Pan-African Unity
- A Flag of Resistance and Liberation
- Pan-Africanism: A Global Movement
- The RBG Flag in Popular Culture
- Universal Pan-African Flag Day: Celebrating Unity
- The Flag’s Influence on African Nations
- Teaching the Next Generation
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Featured image: Illustration inspired by a Pan-African gathering c.1920. ((By Kyle P. Pennerman in combination with generative AI techniques, 2024).
