New Rochelle raises its first-ever Pan-African flag at City Hall
Raising the Pan-African flag also meant lowering the Israeli flag that had flown in front of City Hall since last October.
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The mayor who made history as the New Rochelle's first leader of color, made history again on Tuesday, when she raised a Pan-African flag at City Hall.
Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert expressed a great sense of pride as she looked at the flag and what it means, especially during Black History Month.
"Seeing the Pan-African flag, my historical race, [it's] just a representation of people who've always been part of building and being leaders in the community, so it's beautiful to see it at our City Hall and I'm proud to be part of that," she said.
Raising the Pan-African flag also meant lowering the Israeli flag that had flown in front of City Hall since last October. A dozen pro-Palestinian supporters cheered when the flag came down.
On the other side of the flagpole were a few dozen pro-Israel supporters who expressed their presence in support of the Black community.
New Rochelle NAACP President Minister Mark McLean addressed the crowd.
"Black people matter, Black culture matters, and this is a great day for New Rochelle because we all matter as human beings," he said.
Two weeks ago, City Council members revealed private conversations dating back to earlier this year regarding the Israeli flag. At least five members of the council privately voiced support for lowering the flag earlier than scheduled after receiving some complaints from city residents.
Following that meeting, the City Council agreed to come up with a set of flag policies to have more clarity on the procedures for raising and lowering flags on city property.
Mayor Ramos-Herbert said that is still being worked on.
The city will wrap up its celebration of Black History Month on Thursday, Feb. 29, at City Hall from 5:30- 8 p.m.
