The Pan-African flag was raised in Lunenburg to celebrate Black Heritage Month. Photo: Evan Taylor
Flying in Lunenburg now, for the first time ever is the Pan-African flag in recognition of Black Heritage Month.
A handful of people attended the flag-raising ceremony where Lunenburg Mayor Matt Risser made remarks about the importance of black heritage in Lunenburg.
Mayor Risser shared the stories of two former slaves from the area.
A black woman known only as Sylvia formerly played an important role in the town’s protection from privateers in 1782. While serving the family of John Creighton she helped protect the family and their belongings as well she helped deliver and load ammunition at the town’s blockhouse. She received no credit for her actions at the time and was buried in an unmarked grave in Halifax.
“Lydia Jackson’s story is even more sobering,” Risser said. “She was a free black loyalist settler in 1783 who was abandoned by her husband while pregnant. She was later tricked into signing a contract of indenture to Dr. John David Bowman of Lunenburg, she suffered much abuse at his and his family’s hands. She then bravely took her case in Lunenburg, Halifax, and the Cheif Justice but all failed.”
Two young students from Bluenose Academy raising the Pan-African flag. Photo: Evan Taylor
After sharing those stories he said, “These years are uncomfortable to examine but it’s critical we do especially as descendants of European colonists in order to fully understand our history.”
The Pan-African flag was lifted symbolizes the worldwide movement that aims to encourage and strengthen bonds of solidarity between all indigenous ethnic groups of African descent.
The flag is tri-colored and Town Councilor Melissa Duggan explained what each colour means, “The red represents the blood that unites all people of African ancestry and has been shed for liberation, Black for black people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state is affirmed by the flag and green for the natural abundance of Africa.”
The flag will be flown for the remainder of Black Heritage Month and it can be seen at the UNESCO flagpoles on Townsend Street.
