99% Invisible Flag Days: The Red, the Black & the Green
Jun 15, 2021
Colin Grant, a writer and historian, delves into the harmful legacy of racist coon songs and their impact on Black identity. He reflects on the historical significance of the red, black, and green flag, created by Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born labor organizer who championed Black empowerment. The conversation navigates the tensions of the early civil rights movement and highlights the flag's role in uniting Black communities worldwide. Listeners gain insights into the enduring symbolism of both the Pan-African flag and the Juneteenth flag as expressions of identity and freedom.
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Racist Song Inspires Flag
- In the early 1900s, the coon song "Every Race Has a Flag But the Coon" was popular.
- This racist song mocked Black people for lacking a flag and ironically inspired the creation of one.
Garvey's Discovery
- Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican journalist, discovered Pan-Africanism in London.
- This philosophy, emphasizing unity and liberation of people of African descent, shaped his future activism.
UNIA's Formation
- Marcus Garvey, inspired to create a "Black man's army," formed the UNIA.
- This organization aimed to unite Black people globally for their betterment.