First Pan-African flag rises above city hall

Brandon marked a historic milestone with its first-ever Pan-African flag raising at city hall on Tuesday morning, officially kicking off Black History Month.

The event featured the raising of the red, black and green Pan-African flag and the signing of a Black History Month proclamation by Mayor Jeff Fawcett, alongside community leaders, elected officials and residents.

This is a moment of history for the City of Brandon, said Stella Akomolafe, secretary general of Global African Diaspora Network & Resource Mobilization Initiative.

“Today’s flag raising and proclamation are more than symbolic gestures,” she said. “They affirm that the stories, struggles and successes of Black communities matter here in Brandon, in Manitoba and in Canada.”

Akomolafe noted that Black History Month is both a time of celebration and reflection, acknowledging the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, ongoing systemic racism, and the shared responsibility to pursue reconciliation and solidarity with Indigenous peoples.

Brandon’s first Black city councillor, Sunday Frangi, described the flag raising as deeply personal and long overdue.

“For the first time, we are raising the Pan-African flag in Brandon, and that represents all of us of African descent,” Frangi said. “We are here today as descendants of those who endured hardship, and we are committed to building the future for the next generation. Brandon is our home.”

Frangi said collective responsibility in addressing systemic barriers is very important and Black History Month events across the city provide platforms for education, advocacy and unity.

Fawcett said the ceremony reflected what he sees as the strength of Brandon’s Black community — not as a separate group, but as an integral part of the city.

“When I talk to the Black community, I see Brandonites who want the best for their neighbours and for this city,” Fawcett said. “These are leaders not just in the Black community, but leaders for Brandon.”

Fawcett referenced moments in the city’s history that demonstrate inclusion, including Brandon University’s appointment of Canada’s first Black university president and local Black Lives Matter demonstrations that also centred Indigenous solidarity.

Brandon West MLA Wayne Balcaen echoed the theme of inclusion, calling Brandon one of Canada’s most diverse and welcoming communities.

“We are not just a city between two larger places, we are Brandon,” Balcaen said. “This is a place where community matters, leadership grows and generations can build together.”

Balcaen also cited his experience working alongside Black leaders in law enforcement and the growing representation within Brandon’s police service.

Black history extends beyond February, Manitoba Black Chamber of Commerce president Zita Somakoko said.

“Black History Month is not 28 days, it is 365 days,” Somakoko said. “As we raise this flag, let us also raise our collective commitment to listen to Black voices, confront anti-Black racism and invest in Black communities.”

Brandon Chamber of Commerce vice-president Emilio Brown shared his personal journey of immigrating to Brandon, describing the challenges and opportunities that shaped his decision to stay and give back.

“I didn’t just come here to build my own future, I came to be part of this community,” Brown said. “When you ask me where I’m from, I’ll say Brandon.”

Global African Diaspora Network & Resource Mobilization Initiative president Cornel Wasonga closed the ceremony by framing Black history as a foundation for progress.

“Black history is global. It is living,” Wasonga said. “When we understand our history, we empower our youth, strengthen our identity and transform remembrance into action.”

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