St. Petersburg Raises Flag In Honor Of Black History Month

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Possibly the largest crowd ever at the annual tradition of raising the Dr. Carter G. Woodson gathered outside St. Pete City Hall to celebrate Black History Month on Monday, according to Mayor Rick Kriseman.

Kriseman, other city leaders and community members gathered in masks and bundled up in coats during a chilly 57 degrees as they stood near the flag pole outside the city building.

Many people gathered in front of the flag and took selfies and group photos while some community members were in attendance for the first time such as St. Pete resident Stacy Rush, 60.

"I've known about these events, and sort of ignored them," Rush told Patch. "Of course, this past year has been an awakening for me because being an African American I felt I needed to be here because there are special things happening right now. And some of us have been asleep."

Terri Scott, executive director of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in St. Pete, suggested raising the special flag over city hall several years ago, Kriseman said.

"And so we began this new tradition, which I am confident will now be forever a part of how we kick off Black History Month in the Sunshine City...it better be at least," the mayor said.

Woodson is considered the father of Black History Month, according to the museum's website. Woodson was born in 1875 to enslaved parents, and attended the University of Chicago, earning a bachelor of arts degree in 1907. He later received a doctorate from Harvard University.

In 1926, Woodson proposed and launched the annual February observance of “Negro History Week,” which became “Black History Month” in 1976, the Woodson Museum reported.

"How humble we are today to stand in this mighty space," Scott said, "where decisions are made for the betterment of our great city. A place where leaders take a solemn oath to faithfully and impartially perform and discharge the duties of their office according to the law and to the best of their ability."

Scott and city leaders stood near Kriseman as he raised the flag for the last time as his term in office nears its end. Everyone was silent as they observed the flag raising, which was followed by cheers and heavy applause from the crowd. 2021 is the fifth year members gathered to celebrate Black History Month.