Norwalk Holds Pan-African Flag-Raising Ceremony, Starts New Tradition

NORWALK, CT — Local leaders gathered Tuesday afternoon at the Norwalk Heritage Wall for the city's first Pan-African flag-raising ceremony in commemoration of Black History Month.

Mayor Harry Rilling welcomed members of the community to the flagpole off of West Avenue, including Norwalk Common Council President Greg Burnett and Majority Leader Darlene Young, State Rep. Kadeem Roberts and LaToya Fernandez, the city's new diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

According to Rilling, Fernandez approached him with the idea for the flag-raising ceremony via email, to which he quickly and enthusiastically responded "absolutely."

"We talk about the diversity of Norwalk, and we are truly a melting pot of the world," Rilling said, noting he had also recently attended Ukrainian Christmas and Chinese New Year celebrations in town. "We're very proud of who we are, we're very proud of our diversity, and when we learn about differences and understand how we are more similar than we actually think, and that we all want the same thing...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

After the flag had been raised, Burnett addressed the crowd gathered at the pole and noted the significance of this moment for Norwalk.

"We have to remember that Black history is American history," Burnett said, "and we're celebrating the accomplishments, the sacrifices, all of the commitment that Black Americans have made to American history and the building and the continuing success of our great country and nation."

Young agreed the ceremony marked a historic moment for the city and thanked Rilling and his administration for making it happen.

"There are a lot of folks in the community who have been doing this work," Young said, "and have been trying to make sure there is equality, equity and inclusion...so the city is actually committed to making sure that this continues, and not just for the month of February. We've got to acknowledge that. All of us have contributed to what we are calling America, and so this is just one way for the city to make that be known and acknowledged, that we are a united front."

Fernandez said she got emotional as the flag was raised and thanked Rilling for his eagerness to acknowledge Norwalk's diverse community.

"A lot of places are taking to the diversity, equity and inclusion work to check a box," Fernandez said, "but I think it says a lot when our city is actually taking steps forward...so I just want to thank the city of Norwalk, and I want to thank the mayor. I think that we're moving in the right direction. Norwalk has a beautiful, vibrant Black community out here who has been nothing but welcoming to me."

In an email announcing Tuesday's event, city officials referred to the ceremony as a new tradition "in recognition of the African Diaspora and its struggles for Black liberation, equity and freedom."

Rilling noted the flag was now on display for the entire city to see as they travel down West Avenue and nearby.

"As we drive by for the rest of the month and we look at the flag, we can remember this moment," Rilling said, "how Norwalk, again, takes the leadership role in recognizing people, recognizing diversity and appreciating who we are."