Brookdale Raises the Pan-African Flag to Honor Black History Month

Brookdale Community College proudly began its celebration of Black History Month on February 4th with a powerful and symbolic event, raising the Pan-African flag. The Student Life Board organized the ceremony, underscoring the college’s commitment to honoring Black history, culture, and resilience.

During the ceremony, Student Life Board President Montez Swartz and member Kira Huggins addressed the gathering. Huggins shared the significance of the Pan-African flag, explaining how it represents unity among African nations and the African diaspora while underscoring the importance of cultural identity and collective progress.

Montez Swartz, in a moving tribute to Black excellence, recited two works by the legendary Maya Angelou: Life Doesn’t Frighten Me and Still I Rise. These powerful poems, which embody triumph over adversity, celebrated the enduring strength and voices of Black individuals in literature and history.

Following the readings, Kelli Sanders Jennings, Supervisor of Conference Services at Brookdale, took the stage to commend the Student Life Board for their dedication to preserving this meaningful tradition. She expressed gratitude for their commitment to their school and peers, saying, “Thank you for caring about your school, your peers, and everyone here, and for sharing in this important day.” Kelli then led the audience in singing the first stanza of Lift Every Voice and Sing, written by Weldon Johnson and widely known as the Black National Anthem. As the crowd sang in unison, Lauren Brutsman, Director of Student Life and Activities, raised the Pan-African flag, marking a unifying and proud moment for the campus community.

The ceremony concluded with an invitation to engage in upcoming Black History Month events. These include a live painting session by artist Tom Verano on February 18th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Student Life Center Navesink rooms, showcasing his diversity-themed portraits. Additionally this month, Hell’s Kitchen winner Rock Harper will lead a culinary demonstration, where he will explore the history and significance of soul food while working with Brookdale’s culinary students in a live cooking presentation.

In his closing remarks, Montez emphasized the importance of recognizing Black history year-round. “We should all remember that Black history is American history, too,” he said. “It’s not just one time of the year that we should celebrate and look back on the African Americans who helped build this country.”

Brookdale’s annual Pan-African flag-raising ceremony serves as a meaningful reminder of the rich history, contributions, and resilience of Black communities. As the flag flies high on campus, it symbolizes pride, remembrance, and a commitment to unity and progress.