Photo courtesy of City of Cleveland Photo Bureau

Black History Month kicked off  in downtown Cleveland as the 43rd annual Black History flag raising ceremony took place.

Peace In The Struggle

By Alexander Pikturna

Presented by The Underground Railroad Society, Coalition For A Better Life, and DBA Peace In The Hood, Dr. Eugene “Dr. J” Jordan led this years flag raising ceremony at Cleveland City Hall. Beginning the ceremony, the sounds of traditional drums and tambourines filled the air as the red, black, and green Pan African  & African American flags were hoisted in front of City Hall, a tradition started by the late Cleveland Mayor Carl Stokes.

Afterwards, the crowd took part in reciting song and prayer as speakers gave history on Black History Month and it’s importance. The crowd paid remembrance, including to late Mayor Carl Stokes, and the founder of Black History Month, Carter Woodson. Finally, as the sound of song and instrument died down, a closing universal prayer was held.

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