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The City of Olympia has painted the crosswalks at 9th Avenue between Adams and Franklin streets (east and west legs) with the red, black and green colors of the Black Liberation flag. The painting work was timed to be completed by Juneteenth - which is June 19. This is part of the Crosswalk Transformation pilot project that launched the summer of 2023.
The flag colors were chosen to honor Black and African-American heritage, culture and legacies. Also known as the UNIA flag, the Afro-American flag, the Black Liberation flag and the Marcus Garvey flag, the distinct red, black and green Pan-African flag was created in 1920 by Garvey. It was meant to serve as a marker of freedom, pride and the political power of Black Americans. The flag's colors have symbolic meaning. Red represents the blood that gives life, as well as bloodshed of those fighting for liberation. Black represents black people. Green represents the earth, growth and fertility.
As shared by community leader and Founder of the Women of Color in Leadership Movement, Shawna Hawk, M.A., "We have a history here in Olympia of several African Americans contributing, helping to build, and investing in our town. This is a way to honor them and current African American pioneers, business and organizational owners who are part of this community. [This project] helps in sustaining a physical place within this community which will help encourage artistic and holistic development."
Celebrate With Us!
This painting will be commemorated during the annual Juneteenth Festival-Celebration scheduled for Saturday, June 22 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is hosted by the Women of Color in Leadership Movement and Media Island International in partnership with the City of Olympia. This free, family-friendly event welcomes all community members to enjoy festivities, performances and presentations, The Marketplace featuring a vendor area with Black owned and operated businesses; and a variety of food to enjoy.
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