All Black Folks Worldwide Are Invited To Participate In A Census For A New Diaspora Flag Database
If you've been following me on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Bluesky) over the past couple of days, you may have seen that I shared a survey for my fellow Black people to fill out (I doubt it because I'm shadowbanned into oblivion). The survey is a census of sorts for a Black Diaspora flag database showing the flags associated with Black folks around the globe that I am developing for the MeWeFree platform.
Why flags?
If you've been following me for any period of time, you may have realized that I'm a flag enthusiast. I'm so intrigued by flags that I joined the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA), which has been an enjoyable experience. At any given time, you will find me searching the Internet for dazzling flag designs from all over the world. Regardless of how they look, I am most intrigued by the flags people choose to represent them, whether national, state, city, political, religious, or organizational. I could explore it all day, to be honest. I also associate pride in flags with positive mental health. When we're allowed to be who we are loudly, unapologetically and with enthusiasm, life is the way it should be. Seeing someone publicly display their flag(s) lets me know that person feels pride.
Why the Black Diaspora?
I have been in love with the notion of the Black Diaspora since I first heard about it as a child. That love grew immensely during my tenure at Howard University, where diasporic unity among Black folks globally was strongly encouraged. I love Black people so much, and want us all to feel proud of who we are. The red, black and green Pan-African flag is the main flag on the MeWeFree Diaspora flag database, but this survey is needed to determine precisely which nations/cities/states/cultures/lifestyles/religions should be included. I am starting with Black Americans' input as a launching point, with plans to include input from brothers and sisters worldwide.
What's this we hear about alternative flags?
Ah, yes. Alternative flag designs have been an interest of mine for a long time. I would like to see more Black folks' takes on vexillology as an art form by taking on the challenge of creating redesigns of existing flags, designs for locales/groups that don't currently have one, mental health awareness, flags for ethnicities, flags for the underprivileged, religions/denominations, fictional flags and more. Don't really have artistic talent? We got you covered. Just watch/read the guidances on flag design, fill out our questionnaire, and we'll design it for you. If you approve, the flag will be yours. The submission form and questionnaire will be coming soon.
Another thing. This endeavor was inspired by the ADOS (American Descendents of Slaves) and FBA (Foundational Black American) movements, as well as the "Diaspora Wars" that occur so often on social media, all of which I despise. I’m as Black and American as they come, but good grief. MeWeFree is about collective liberation, and I don't believe in reducing our ranks for any reason, especially over something as petty as location. We need as many of us together as possible. Black people are no monolith, but we all have some degree of a shared experience under white supremacy, no matter where we're from. All that posturing to prove who's better seems like you want a pat on the head from white people. It's embarrassing, honestly.
For complete transparency, I use flags as part of my creative process, so some of these results will result in new MeWeFree art. Again, me with flags is a passion project, and I plan on creating more and more for my own mental health. I don't mean to piss anybody off by saying that. I do intend for this database to serve primarily as an educational resource.
That's about it for the flag database—just a longtime passion. I hope as many BLACK folks as possible participate. If you are Black, you are welcome to submit your input. There is a little litmus test on Blackness to kick things off to weed out the non-Black trolls/weirdos/losers. I’ll know.
To participate in the Black Diaspora flag database census, click here. I plan to keep this form open until the new year (the last day to participate will be December 31, 2025, at midnight).
***I apologize if this census only being available in English excludes anyone. That is my shortcoming. I am working on a fix***
