The Black American Heritage Flag, created by Melvin Charles and Gleason T. Jackson on March 5th, 1967, combines thoughtful symbolism to connect our history and reflect who we are as a Black American people.  The selection of red honors and remembers the lives lost in the struggle for freedom and equality. The black represents pride in our genetic gift of melanin. The  Moorish sword within a golden wreath represents strength, leadership, and the profound contributions of black people to the world. The golden wreath symbolizes our resilience in maintaining our God-like nature despite the atrocities inflicted upon us.