For the first time in its history, Glen Cove raised the Pan-African flag in ceremony on Feb. 28, marking a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to diversity, unity, and cultural recognition. The event, organized by I Am My Sister, a nonprofit founded by Lela Watson, took place at Village Square and was attended by local officials, residents, and supporters of Black culture. Held in celebration of Black History Month, the flag-raising ceremony was both a tribute to the progress made and a reminder of the work still ahead.
Watson, the driving force behind the event, spoke about what inspired her to advocate for the flag-raising. While acknowledging the community’s support, she emphasized that it was the young people, especially her daughter, Leah Johnson, who inspired her to make this vision a reality.
“As much as I would love to say that it was the community that really pushed me to get this done, to advocate for it, I will have to say that it was my daughter,” Watson shared.
Watson has made it a priority to expose her daughter to the rich cultural fabric of Glen Cove by attending various ethnic and cultural events around the city. She believes that doing so helps children understand and appreciate the diversity that exists within their own community.
“For every event, every cultural event that happens in this city, we take our daughter to it,” watson said. “We take her because we felt that it’s important for her to learn about the different cultures that are around the city.”
Watson stressed the importance of ensuring Black children feel a sense of pride in their heritage, while also giving children from other backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the Black experience.
“It’s also important for other young kids that are Black to be able to walk through the city and have pride in who they are,” she said.“But it also gives people from different cultures the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the different communities in their city. That’s how we become a better community.”
Glen Cove Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck expressed her appreciation for Watson’s efforts in bringing the event to fruition.
“It was fitting that this event took place on the most beautiful day we have had in months,” Panzenbeck said. “The flag was raised and flies proudly in town. I am so happy to have been a part of this first flag raising.”
The historic moment was deeply moving for attendees, particularly longtime residents who have witnessed the city’s evolution over the years. Watson recalled the emotional response from her husband when she told him that the flag-raising had been approved.
“I didn’t realize just how important this moment was until I told my husband, who was born and raised here, that we had gotten the flag to be raised,” Watson said. “A tear came down his eye.”
For residents like Taiwan Varene, the event was a powerful statement about representation and inclusivity in Glen Cove.
“It’s important because Glen Cove has a very diverse group of residents, and this just represents one of the groups,” Varene said. “My wife and I are part of this group, and we wanted to come out and represent.”
Varene, who has lived in Glen Cove for nearly two decades.
Beyond its symbolic significance, Watson hopes the flag-raising will encourage deeper engagement with Black cultural events in Glen Cove. She pointed out that while she enjoys attending various cultural celebrations—such as Italian, Greek, and Polish festivals—she wants to see more people attending events focused on Black culture.
“I love going to all those events,” Watson said. “Come out and learn about ours. You’ll be impressed to find out that we too have amazing people that are doing great work in the community.We should never be walking around a city where we are struggling to identify who’s who because of what you are, or where you come from.”
She called for unity and mutual understanding, emphasizing that learning about different cultures strengthens the entire community.
“When you see a fist raised, don’t be afraid, “Watson said. “A raised fist means unity. It means stand with us. If we can learn these nuances of each other’s cultures, then we’re able to embrace each other.”
