African-American Flag 1990

David Hammons made this powerful flag using colors of red, black, and green. These colors, deeply resonant within the African diaspora, are derived from the Pan-African flag, a symbol of unity and liberation. The flag's stars and stripes, typically rendered in white and blue, here transform into emblems of Black identity. Red symbolizes the blood shed for liberation, black represents the people, and green signifies the land and future. Note how this color combination echoes across time and geography, from revolutionary movements to contemporary art. Consider how flags, since antiquity, have served as rallying points, embodying collective aspirations. Yet, in Hammons' hands, the American flag is reimagined. It serves as a poignant commentary on race, identity, and belonging. It questions whose stories are woven into the fabric of a nation. This symbol persists, demanding recognition and justice. Its colors resonate, urging us to remember, reflect, and strive for a more inclusive future.