Messages of Hope, Resilience on Display During Annual Flag Raising
The Unified Black Students Society (pictured) hosted the annual Black History Month Flag Raising with the African Student Organization, Caribbean Student Association and Stockton University's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Galloway, N.J. – As the wind whistled through the flags on display in the Arts & Sciences Circle, the briskness of the evening began settling in as the sun made its descent behind the speakers sitting in front of the crowd. Soon, Professor of Music Beverly Vaughn’s gloved fingers masterfully glided along on the keys of her piano.
The Feb. 4 ceremony, a flag raising that kicks off Stockton University’s celebration of Black History Month, included stirring remarks from student leaders on the importance of Black heritage.
💡 Guivenchiali Saint Jean, secretary for Stockton’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, shared the flag’s creation story during his remarks.
Students Elizabeth Macklin and My’Air Henry – president and vice president, respectively, of the Unified Black Students Society (UBSS) – opened the program by reflecting on the current state of the world.
“In today's climate, it is especially clear how important it is to be unified and to recognize that our strength lies in education, commemoration and community,” Macklin said. “As we continue today, please remember the purpose of this flag and how essential it is to maintain solidarity amongst each other, not only during Black History Month but throughout our everyday lives.”
💡 Chiamaka Patrick, president of the African Student Organization, expanded on the multifaceted nature of Blackness and what the flag represents to her.
“We know that, beyond this space, there are efforts to silence or erase Black history, but let's be clear: our history is not up for debate,” said Henry. “It is woven into the very fabric of this nation, and no policy can erase the impact we have made and continue to make.”
Lynnsey Raphael, a junior who serves as the president of the Caribbean Student Association (CSA), echoed Henry during her speech, saying that Black history is “world history.”
“[Black history is] the foundation of science, art, literature and civil rights that has shaped societies across the globe from the shores of Africa to the streets of Selma, from the brilliance of ancient scholars to the resilience of modern-day trailblazers. Black History Month is a testament to strength, innovation and perseverance,” said Raphael.
The theme of perseverance and resilience continued as William Latham, interim vice president for Student Affairs, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to celebrating and honoring Black history.
💡In her remarks, Lynnsey Raphael of CSA encouraged the crowd to not only recognize history, but to look towards the future as well.
“Celebrating Black history is important, needed and crucial, as My’Air said. We want our students to know that we are certainly for and about supporting you in all aspects of your student experience here, and that's what's important to us as a senior leadership team,” Latham said.
As the green, red and black striped flag flew up the flagpole, Music major Destanee Bright dazzled the crowd with the full rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice.”
As the program concluded, the student leaders for UBSS, CSA, the African Student Organization, and Stockton’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People invited and encouraged the campus community to attend their upcoming events throughout the month of February.
– Story by Loukaia Taylor
– Photos by Susan Allen
More Events for Black History Month
Pan-African Flag Raising Kicks Off Black History Month
February 2, 2024
Galloway, N.J. — Did you know that the Pan-African flag was the first flag of cultural heritage to be permanently displayed in the Arts & Sciences Circle at Stockton University?
According to Haashim Smith-Johnson, an Admissions recruiter and former president of the Unified Black Student Society, the idea of having the flag raised for more than the month of February came out of the organization’s desire to make a statement on campus in 2017. He encouraged students to honor the organization’s legacy through decisive action when thinking of ways to make Stockton an inclusive campus for everyone.
“This one thought turned into action, which turned into Black Stockton history,” Smith-Johnson, who is currently staff advisor for UBSS, said. “Student leaders of UBSS and all of the other adjacent student organizations: no idea is outlandish. Please continue to represent the culture and advocate for yourself. Your future self, as well as future generations of marginalized Stockton students, will absolutely thank you.”
This was just one of many valuable lessons that attendees heard during the annual Black History Month Flag Raising on Thursday, Feb. 1. Following a beautiful rendition of the Black national anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” by student Lillian Nickels and professor of Music Beverly Vaughn, several speakers all had a common thread — the importance of acknowledging history that future generations will learn from and study.
