LBCC hosted the first Pan-African flag raising ceremony at LAC on Feb. 6, a tradition that may carry on for years to come.
As the flag made it to the top of the flagpole, an African drum group called “Dembrebrah” paraded their way to the T building, leading all the attendees to the North-side hall for the Black History Month kickoff, which included food and performances of traditional dances of Africa.
Carl Kemp, executive director of public affairs and marketing was the first to speak at the podium with comments about delays in the event.
“We’re starting this thing off late, but that’s not unusual to us though,” Kemp said.
The Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” was played as the flag was raised by Professor Jerome Hunt.
Lee Douglas, the vice-president of academic affairs, came to the event wearing cultural West African garb, summing up his feelings towards the ceremony in one word: “proud.”
Douglas expressed his gratitude for being a part of the LBCC community.
“We were just a part of history,” Douglas said regarding the ceremony.
Kemp gave praise to LBCC President Mike Muñoz for fostering a safe space for marginalized student groups.
“I have a very open heart and it’s important to me that every student truly feels heard and that they matter,” said Muñoz, who also helped organize the event.
Board President Udauk-Joe Ntuk came up with the idea and called the event a milestone.
Ntuk and his team are working on creating a Black Student Institution (BSI), which will result in more state funding for programs like UMOJA.
LBCC is big on celebrating the diversity of cultures and making the students and staff feel that they belong.