On February 11, Southwestern College will host its second annual flag-raising ceremony to commemorate Black History Month. Organized by the Southwestern College Black Alliance, this event honors the positive contributions of the African American community both on and off campus and reinforces the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the college’s Performing Arts Center on the Chula Vista campus, with the presence of key figures from the educational and local communities. Southwestern College President Dr. Mark Sánchez, along with board members, community leaders, students, and staff, will come together to raise the Pan-African flag at the corner of H St. and Otay Lakes Rd. This act symbolizes the college’s support and solidarity with the African American community while honoring the history and struggles of people of African descent throughout time.
The Pan-African flag, created in 1920 by Jamaican activist Marcus Garvey, will be the sixth flag raised on campus, emphasizing the importance of honoring diverse cultures and communities. The flag’s colors hold deep significance: red represents the blood that unites all Black people, black honors Black skin and symbolizes strength, and green represents Africa’s lush vegetation. As a symbol of the African diaspora, the flag serves as a reminder of Black liberation and resistance.
In addition to the flag-raising ceremony, the event will feature music and dance performances in a festive atmosphere celebrating African American cultural heritage. The participation of the Southwestern College Black Alliance, alongside representatives from the Office of Student Equity Programs and Services, reaffirms the institution’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment for students, faculty, and staff.
This event also highlights Southwestern College’s ongoing efforts to recognize and commemorate various communities throughout the year. In addition to the Pan-African flag, the college has raised flags for LGBTQ+ Pride, the Kumeyaay/Diegueño Nation in honor of Native American Heritage Month, Juneteenth, Hispanic Heritage Month, the United Farm Workers flag in honor of César Chávez Day, and the Philippine flag for Filipino American History Month.
The ceremony provides an opportunity for the college and the Chula Vista community to come together and reflect on the legacy of Black history while celebrating the importance of inclusion and mutual respect. Media representatives are invited to attend and capture the spirit of unity that defines this significant event on Southwestern College’s calendar.