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Long Beach to add Pan African flag to official special-flag list, council votes
Summary
Long Beach City Council voted to add the Pan African flag to the city's special-flag list and to ensure it is raised annually at Civic Plaza each February to honor Black History Month, following supportive remarks from councilmembers and community groups.
Long Beach City Council voted Feb. 11 to add the Pan African flag to the city’s list of special flags and to raise it annually throughout February in recognition of Black History Month.
Councilwoman Thrash Ntuk introduced the request, saying the flag “represents unity, pride, and the ongoing spirit of equity” and that publicly raising it would visibly acknowledge Black residents’ contributions to the city. Councilmember Rick Soddy and others supported the motion during the regular-agenda debate, saying the action reaffirmed the city’s commitments to inclusion and representation.
Community speakers — including Deborah Hill of the Black Employees Association of Long Beach and members of local civic groups — urged the council to approve the motion. Deborah Hill told the council the Pan African flag “represents the blood that unites all Black people” and urged the city to move forward. Several other community leaders and veterans also described the action as a meaningful recognition for residents.
The motion passed without amendments. Councilmembers said a public ceremony and scheduling details would follow; the council’s vote instructs staff to include the Pan African flag in the city’s official flag policy so it is available for display at Long Beach Civic Plaza during February each year.
The measure drew broad public comment in support and passed on a unanimous council vote.
