Despite brutally cold temperatures the crowd marched outside singing and chanting "Ashay". Joining in were Mayor Justin Bibb, Community Relations leader Angela Shute-Woodson and Khalid Samad from Peace in the Hood. After witnessing the flag raised above Cleveland City Hall the crowd went back inside for the rest of the program.

Khalid Samad speaks at Flag Raising

Watching the African flag being raised over City Hall

Watch a video of the Flag Raising ceremony below.

NOTE: All the images below with a white arrow in the middle are videos. (The other images are just photos) You can click on the white arrow to watch the video of whatever is described. Make sure your speakers are on and you can make the video full screen once it begins by clicking the icon in the lower right corner.

Community leader Khalid Samad from Peace in the Hood served as MC for the event and introduced Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb who gave his remarks.

Khalid Samad speaking

Mayor Justin Bibb speaking

AdeOlomo Dansi performed a libation ceremony at a celebration of Black History Month in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall. She led the audience in honoring their ancestors and chanted "We are fearless, we are strong and we are ready to carry on."

The Hue People led the singing of the African Anthem 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' at the celebration of Black History Month in the Rotunda of Cleveland City Hall.

Mr. Derrick Holifield is the head of the Kenneth W. Clement Boys' Leadership Academy which is one of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District's few schools offering single-gender education. He spoke about the school and then introduced 4 students who performed a song.

Kenneth W Clement Boys Leadership Academy singers

AdeOlomo Dansi and Elder Drum Group with Camp Journey and 99 Treasurers Arts & Culture gave a drum performance which soon enticed the audience to clap and dance along with the music.

There were more presentations, music, food and community resources. For example, groups representing the Tuskegee Airmen, Buffalo Soldiers and others were on hand.

Tuskegee Airmen Information

Giving Tuskegee Airmen and Buffalo Soldiers information

Two members of the Ohio Chapter of the Buffalo Soldiers, Str8up and Truck, told us about General Charles Young. Charles Young was the third African-American graduate of the United States Military Academy, the first black U.S. national park superintendent, first black military attaché, first black man to achieve the rank of colonel in the United States Army, and highest-ranking black officer in the regular army until his death in 1922.

In 2022, in recognition of his exemplary service and the barriers he faced due to racism, he was posthumously promoted to Brigadier General, and a promotion ceremony was held in his honor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. There is a monument to General Charles Young at the intersection of Prospect Ave. and Prospect Rd. in Cleveland. . They also spoke of the Buffalo Soldiers who originally were members of the 10th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army. Their name was given to the Black Cavalry by Native American tribes who fought in the Indian Wars. There is a lot of background noise from the celebration but you can hear the speakers.

It was an inspirational event. Enjoy some of these other images from the event. Ashay!

Community Relations Director Angela Shute-Woodson
and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb

Kenneth W Clement Boys Leadership Academy
principal and students

Buffalo Soldiers MC Club ladies

Buffalo Soldiers model

Mayor Justin Bibb with Buffalo Soldiers MC members

Crowd at City Hall