Understanding the Symbols of Unity and the Ongoing Fight for Justice

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the powerful legacy of Black resilience, pride, and the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and liberation. This celebration is not only a recognition of past achievements but also a call to action for continued progress, especially within the labor movement. In this third segment of our “Did You Know?!” series, we will explore the rich history and significance behind the symbols of Black History Month, with a special focus on the colors of the Pan African flag, the Negro National Anthem, and how these intersect within the Canadian labor movement.

Why Black, Green, Red and Yellow?

These are more than just colours; they are symbols of unity, pride, and the collective struggle of people of African descent worldwide. These colours are a combination of the Pan African flag and Ethiopian flag, and each colour carries a profound meaning:

• Black: Represents the people of Africa or people of African descent across the globe, acknowledging the shared history and experiences of Black
• Green: Symbolizes the land, natural resources, and the potential for a prosperous future for the African continent, reflecting hope for continued
• Red: Represents the blood that unites all people of African ancestry, honoring the sacrifices made throughout history for liberation and acknowledging the bloodshed of innocent lives in the fight against racism and
• Yellow: Represents optimism, justice, and equality for all people, underscoring the ongoing fight for a world where equality prevails.

The Pan African flag, designed by Black nationalist Marcus Garvey in 1920, was intended to unite people of African descent worldwide in their fight against oppression, colonialism, and racism. Garvey, a leader of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA), adopted these colours to help build a sense of pride, identity, and unity among Black communities.

The flag’s connection to Ethiopia is particularly significant. Ethiopia was one of the few African nations to successfully resist colonization, maintaining its independence throughout the European caused genocide of our people in Africa. This made Ethiopia a powerful symbol of Black independence, pride, and resistance. For African Americans and diasporic Black communities, Ethiopia’s independence served as an inspiration and a reminder of the possibility of freedom and sovereignty in the face of oppression.

The Negro National Anthem: A Symbol of Hope and Resilience

Another important symbol of Black history and unity is the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson (lyrics) and John Rosamond Johnson (music), it was originally performed by a choir of schoolchildren in Jacksonville, Florida, to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Over time, the song became a powerful anthem for the African American community, symbolizing resilience, hope, and the unyielding fight for equality.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” became a central hymn of the Civil Rights Movement, embodying the collective struggles of Black people in the United States, and its message of hope continues to resonate today. The song encourages the celebration of freedom and justice, while acknowledging the painful history of oppression that has shaped the lives of Black people. It serves as a reminder of the need to continue striving for a just and equal society, a message that resonates far beyond the borders of the U.S., including in Canada.

The colors of the Pan African flag and the anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing” reflect the unity of Black communities globally. In Canada, these symbols intersect with the fight for labour rights. Much like the Pan African movement sought to unite people of African descent against colonialism and oppression, labor unions have been a platform for collective action in the fight against racial discrimination and economic inequality.

As we reflect on Black History Month, we are reminded of the rich cultural legacy of Black people and the continuing fight for justice, equality, and liberation. The struggles of the past, embodied in the Pan African flag and the Negro National Anthem, are far from over. The push for justice within unions today is as much about racial justice as it is about workers’ rights, and the spirit of unity symbolized by the Pan African flag continues to inspire today’s activists.

Whether in the United States, Canada, or globally, the fight is ongoing. Black workers, like their ancestors, continue to lead the charge for better wages, fair treatment, and equality in the workplace.

By understanding the symbols of Black history and their connection to both the global and Canadian struggles for freedom, we honour the past and empower the future. As we move through the rest of Black History Month and beyond, I encourage you to continue learning, engaging, and standing in solidarity with the Black community as we work towards a more just and equitable world.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next segment, there is so much more to unfold!

Nicole Anozie

Equity Executive Board Member
Board Liaison for the Coalition of Racialized Workers