Banners of Black Liberation Exhibit Celebrates Global and Local Black Histories

In honor of Black History Month, American International College (AIC) brought the campus together for Banners of Black Liberation, an exhibition celebrating Black history, resilience, and empowerment.

The campus community gathered in the West Wing Gallery to explore the symbolism behind flags representing Black liberation movements worldwide. Each banner highlighted stories of resistance, revolution, and cultural identity, providing insight into historic events and the ongoing struggles for freedom and equality.

A Global and Local Perspective on Liberation

Associate Director of Student Life for Student Engagement Giavanna Worthy explained the exhibition’s intent: “Many of these flags were chosen as symbols of Black liberation movements across the world, each telling a powerful story of resilience and revolution.”

Featured flags included those of Jamaica, Rwanda, South Africa, Brazil, and Haiti. The Haitian flag, for example, represents a nation whose history is deeply intertwined with Black liberation. The Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) remains one of the most successful slave uprisings in history, leading to Haiti’s independence and the abolition of slavery. Today, Haiti’s struggle for freedom continues amid economic and political challenges. Massachusetts is home to one of the largest Haitian populations in the U.S., second only to Florida and New York, with an estimated 81,050 Haitian residents.

The exhibition also featured flags from across Africa, including Liberia, a nation with a complex history of migration, colonization, and the fight for political power. Liberia’s history has been shaped by the complex relationship between settlers and Indigenous populations, with ongoing efforts to bridge social and economic disparities.

Liberation Movements Closer to Home

In addition to global symbols, the exhibit showcased flags representing Black liberation in the United States. One standout was the Juneteenth flag, created in 1997 by “Boston” Ben Haith. Designed in red, white, and blue, it features a starburst at the center, symbolizing new opportunities for Black Americans. The red base of the flag honors the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom.

“There is so much rich history tied to these movements,” Worthy said. “This was a passion project for me. The exhibit is a true celebration of Black History Month.”

The display generated positive feedback from students and staff alike. “We wanted to focus on what Black history means,” Worthy added. “As a Black woman, I enjoy learning about what it means to be a descendant of the African diaspora.”

By showcasing these banners, AIC provided an opportunity to reflect on the global and local histories of Black liberation—reminding the campus community that the struggle for justice is both historical and ongoing.