By Jennifer L. Warren
NEWBURGH – The colorful flag, sporting a trio of colors and potently symbolic significance, rippled in the gusty winds Sunday afternoon as it was proudly hoisted, taking its place below two other tangible cornerstones of history: The American and POW flags.
For the sixth year, enveloped by a picturesque, mountain-laden Hudson River backdrop, at the foot of Broadway in the City of Newburgh, the black, red and green hued Pan-American Flag was raised. Its presence, whose rich historical roots trace back to 1920 and Marcus Garvey, signifies the start of Black History month as well as so much more.
“The enduring theme is unity in action;” explained Gabrielle Hill, Orange County Legislator for District 6. “Despite the turmoil brewing in Washington, D.C., the Community Unity Project (C.U.P.) aims to focus on the sharing and protection of ‘our story’ with dignity and integrity in sacred celebration.”
Led by organizers, Councilman, Omari Shakur and Kamar Everett, C.U.P. as it’s lovingly referred to, aims to “illuminate, educate and celebrate the contributions of Black people globally, nationally, but most importantly: on pioneers in the City of Newburgh.
That local emphasis and flavor were on full display Sunday following the flag raising portion of the program. Participants then proceeded onto a march to 245 Liberty Street, arriving at High Point, where an eclectic mix of entertainment, spanned three eras: The Roots (“Africa Motherland: Where Rhythm Was Born”), Soul (“When Blues Learned to Swing”) and Now (“The Streets of Today From the Block to the Future.”) Each dynamic time period in African history unraveled powerful genres-stories of artistic expression. From African Folklore Dance, Jazz, and Newburgh’s own the Spirit of Sankofa documentary; to tap dance, jazz and spoken word; all the way to Hip Hop and a performance by another authentic Newburgh treasure: MVORE, as well as community hero presentations, celebrating a trio of Newburgh trailblazers, brimming with leadership, ingenuity and talent who have left precious impacts on the lives they have touched.
Pastor and Councilman RD McLymore was presented with the Community Faith & Leadership Award, paying tribute to a person who is dedicated to faith-building, bringing the community together and whose heart is at the epicenter of all they do. The Next Generation Leader Award was bestowed to Terri’Nashjae “TT” Burden, a Newburgh Free Academy basketball player who holds the esteemed all-time leading scorer laurels. A student-athlete whose leadership is laden in purpose, “TT” also guides with discipline and heart at the forefront. Finally, the Outstanding Community Service Award recipient was Jemika Hall of M.A.R.C.’s Friends Inc, laser-focused on assisting families facing traumatic, daunting challenges, combating them with the priceless pearls strong community bonds and unwavering support.
“From the beginning of time, people have made women work harder, especially black women; we always have to work ten times harder than everybody else to prove our worth,” said Hall, Founder and Executive Director of M.A.R.C.s Friends Inc. “Thank God for giving me the strength and courage to be where I’m at today making history.”
It’s that very deep, proud, ever-evolving history that defined the day’s events. Embedded in unity, liberation and pride, the Pan-African flag is a timeless symbol of strength and the merging of people as one. The journey can be unfolded in its three colors: red (blood that was shed for liberation), black (people and their strength) and green (Africa’s natural wealth and fertility.) It’s a tale that not only reveals a past laden in hard work, sacrifice, determination, perseverance and flourishing but one that directly links to and adds precious fuel to the present and future. That lofty barometer is one not just to be pursued-celebrated this month but each and every day.
“Standing on the shoulders of those who fought and worked very hard to make an unforgettable mark on the world is an honor and a responsibility,” said Hill. “The success of future generations is directly connected to our present actions.”
