St. Pete Standard

St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch, along with city leaders and community members, will raise the Dr. Carter G. Woodson flag outside City Hall to mark the start of Black History Month. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 1, at 10 a.m. outside St. Petersburg City Hall (175 5th St. N). All are welcome.

According to Mayor Welch, "This flag raising ceremony is a significant event for our city as we honor and celebrate Black History Month. It is important that we recognize the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history."

The Dr. Carter G. Woodson flag, named after the Father of Black History Month, pays tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Woodson. Dr. Woodson proposed and launched the annual observance of "Negro History Week" in February, which later became known as "Black History Month" 50 years later.

Explaining the significance of February, Mayor Welch states, "Dr. Woodson chose February for the observance because it includes the birthdays of two prominent figures in African American history, Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass."

This tradition of raising the Dr. Carter G. Woodson flag at City Hall began in 2016 and has continued as an important symbol of the city's commitment to honoring Black history. The Woodson African American Museum of Florida, located at 2240 9th Ave. S in St. Petersburg, also plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Black history.

Terri Lipsey Scott, the Executive Director of the Woodson African American Museum of Florida, will be offering remarks at the flag raising ceremony. She expresses her excitement, saying, "We are thrilled to be part of this ceremony and to continue raising awareness about the importance of Black history. Dr. Woodson's work is a testament to the resilience and contributions of the Black community, and we are proud to carry his legacy forward."

City Council Chair Deborah Figgs-Sanders will also be present at the ceremony to share her thoughts. She emphasizes, "Black History Month is a time for reflection, education, and celebration. It is an opportunity for us to learn from the past and strive for a better future, where equality and justice prevail."

The flag raising ceremony is open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to attend. It serves as a reminder of the importance of Black history and the ongoing efforts to recognize and appreciate the achievements of Black Americans.

For more information about the Woodson African American Museum of Florida and its mission, visit their website at www.woodsonmuseum.org.

Join St. Petersburg in honoring and celebrating Black History Month by attending the flag raising ceremony:

WHAT: Flag Raising for Black History Month

WHEN: Thursday, February 1, 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: St. Petersburg City Hall, 175 5th St. N

Let us all come together to commemorate the rich history and contributions of the Black community.