For the fifth year in a row, Ferndale City Council has unanimously passed a resolution to recognize February as Black History Month and to raise the Pan-African flag outside City Hall for the entire month as a symbol of its commitment to all individuals within the Black community.

The Pan-African flag was created in 1920 to represent the people of the African Diaspora and the black liberation movement in the United States. The tri-color flag consists of three bands of red, black, and green – red, symbolizing the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry and was shed for liberation; black, symbolizing black people whose existence as a nation (though not a nation-state) is affirmed by the existence of the flag; green, symbolizing the abundant natural wealth of Africa.

On this decision, Mayor Raylon Leaks-May says, “The fact that the city continues to honor this tradition annually makes me extremely proud to be able to attest to the ongoing support of a community that appreciates and recognizes the contributions made by black and brown people, past and present. The raising of this flag not only symbolizes the trials and tribulations experienced throughout history but also serves as a beacon of hope in this political climate.”

Ferndale takes pride in its diversity and believes that each person has the right to live free from prejudice and unfair discrimination based on age, gender, gender identity, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, or physical challenges. We pledge to encourage the celebration of Black History Month to provide a continuing opportunity for all people to learn about the discrimination and inequality that the African American community has faced and continues to face.

“Understandably, there is still more work to be done, more contributions to be made, but now that the doors have been opened, I am hopeful that we will continue to embrace previous ancestral legacies while creating new ones moving forward,” stated Mayor Leaks-May.

The resolution from the Monday, January 26, 2026, meeting is attached to this article for review.