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Long Beach adds Pan African flag to official special-flag list for annual Black History Month display
Summary
The City Council unanimously approved a motion to include the Pan African flag in Long Beach's list of special flags and to ensure it is raised annually at Civic Plaza during Black History Month.
Long Beach City Council voted Feb. 11 to add the Pan African flag to the city's official special-flag list and to ensure it is raised each February at the Civic Plaza in recognition of Black History Month.
Councilwoman Thrash Ntuk introduced the item with co-sponsors including Councilmember Rick Soddy and others, saying the flag is a visible way to honor contributions of Black residents and reaffirm the city's commitment to inclusivity. Councilmembers across the dais voiced support, calling the symbol an important gesture of representation that signals city values amid national debates over cultural recognition.
Public comment included members of the Black Employees Association of Long Beach, the Greater Long Beach Black Democratic Club, veterans, arts and community leaders, and the Long Beach Unified School District. Speakers praised the council action as a meaningful affirmation and connected the flag to local history and civic pride. Several speakers asked that the gesture be accompanied by continued policy action to address disparities.
Council approved the motion with a roll-call vote. Staff and councilmembers said a flag-raising will be scheduled in February; the council also discussed coordinating community programming around the display.
