On Tues., Feb. 3, a flag of red, black and green was raised above the Wilkes University campus in the Fenner Quadrangle as part of a celebration for Black History Month hosted by the Office of Diversity Initiatives, E.S. Farley Library and Black Student Union.
Created in 1920 by Marcus Garvey, the Pan-African flag stands as a symbol of connection and pride for people of African descent around the world. This is the second year the flag has been flown at Wilkes.
The ceremony began in the Farley Library as students, faculty, staff and invited guests heard from speakers on the importance of community, rest and connection.
Najae Johnson, president of the Black Student Union, shared in her opening remarks the importance of gathering to honor the history, culture and strength of people of African descent around the world. “Raising this flag is a symbol of unity, pride and connection,” said Johnson. “It gives us the chance to come together as a campus to reflect and celebrate as we begin Black History Month.”
David Ward, provost and chief operating officer, followed with brief remarks on the significance of the Pan-African flag and the necessity of students to continue using their voices to make the entire campus community a better place. “[The flag] is a call for liberty and freedom,” said Ward. “We all need that in the forefront of our minds.”
Rashida Lovely, assistant director of operations for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Pan-African Coalition, offered a keynote presentation centered on the importance of listening, rest and building better infrastructure for connection and community care to affect systemic change.
“Listening is not passive. Listening is structural. In biology, listening is feedback. In ecosystems, listening is adaptation. In communities, listening is survival,” said Lovely, adding that the work of George Washington Carver can be inspiration for meaningful systemic change. “[Carver’s] philosophy became the foundation for a model rooted in regeneration, feedback and responsibility rather than extraction. And when you follow that logic far enough, when you honor rest and memory, when you center healing, when you truly commit to listening as infrastructure, there is only one conclusion: change for the better.”
Closing remarks from Moe Woodard, assistant professor of game and emergent technology and advisor to the Black Student Union, encouraged students to continue seeking connection by looking to history for inspiration, sharing that it felt inspiring to be taking part in the day’s events. “I feel a sense of greatness, I feel my ancestors,” said Woodard, noting her grandmother’s participation in the Civil Rights Movement.
Following the flag raising, students, faculty and staff were invited to return to the Farley Library for refreshments and continued conversation.
“To everyone here today, whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member or community guest, thank you for showing up. Your presence matters, and it reflects the kind of campus we want Wilkes to continue being,” said Johnson.
Additional programming for Black History Month will continue throughout February.