99% Invisible The Red, the Black, and the Green
71 snips
Jun 17, 2025 
Christopher Johnson, a producer and reporter, dives into the powerful history of the red, black, and green flag and its role in uniting Black people against racial injustice. Historian Colin Grant adds depth by discussing the troubling past of coon songs and their impact on Black identity. They explore the legacy of Marcus Garvey and his vision for empowerment, contrasting feelings of safety with the Pan-African flag. The conversation also highlights Juneteenth's significance, celebrating freedom and its ties to the broader narrative of Black liberation.
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The Flag's Powerful Symbolism
- The red, black, and green flag symbolizes Black unity and resistance to racial repression worldwide.
- It answers whether Black loyalty lies with oppressive nations or a new, self-built nation.
A Racist Song Inspired Reflection
- The racist coon song "Every Race Has a Flag But the Coon" mocked Black people for lacking a flag.
- It ironically highlighted the importance of a flag for Black unity and pride.
Garvey's Pan-African Vision
- Marcus Garvey discovered Pan-Africanism in London and saw Africa as a center of racial pride.
- He developed a political philosophy of self-sufficiency and building a Black nation independent from white society.