Pan-African (African American) Flag
This flag was adopted by the members of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA) at their convention held in Madison Square Garden on August 13, 1920.
The three colors represent:
- Red: the blood that unites all people of African ancestry, and shed for liberation;
- Black: black people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag; and
- Green: the abundant natural wealth of Africa. (According to George Bornstein, however, Marcus Garvey included green in the design of the UNIA flag to symbolize the link between Black liberation and the struggle for Irish liberation.)
The flag was created in 1920 by the members of the UNIA in response to a racist song written in 1900 entitled Every race has a flag but the 'Coon'. The song was written by Will A. Heelan and J. Fred Helf and popular in the U.S. and Britain.
A 1921 report appearing in the Africa Times and Orient Review, for which Marcus Garvey previously worked, quoted him regarding the importance of the flag: "Show me the race or the nation without a flag, and I will show you a race of people without any pride. Aye! In song and mimicry they have said, 'Every race has a flag but the coon.' How true! Aye! But that was said of us four years ago. They can't say it now...."
The flag later became an African nationalist symbol for the liberation of African people everywhere, though it has been mostly commonly seen in the U.S. As an emblem of black pride, the flag became popular during the Black Liberation movement of the 1960s.
All flags banners are two-sided and come standard with two metal grommets. They are easily mounted on a flag pole or used as a wall hanging. The flags we sell are typically 14% - 64% heavier and are better stitched to assure durability.
We have partnered with leading manufacturers of our products to deliver the highest quality products at a low price. All products are fully inspected before leaving our warehouse to assure that you will be fully satisfied. All flags include a 3 month warranty to assure that you receive the utmost satisfaction.
