Title
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A REVISED DULUTH FLAG DESIGN STATEMENT.
Body
CITY PROPOSAL:
WHEREAS, well designed municipal flags represent an opportunity to unite a community and contribute to a strong sense of civic pride.
WHEREAS, the Duluth Flag Project was originally identified in the comprehensive plan, Imagine Duluth 2035, as a transformative opportunity to be implemented to benefit the city of Duluth with long-term change.
WHEREAS, inclusivity and respectful representation were driving forces in the project’s creation and throughout the decision-making process to create a new flag.
WHEREAS, the input and partnership with local community members and organizations is a critical element in the city’s commitment to embed inclusivity, equity, and fairness into the fabric of city processes and governance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the city of Duluth does hereby adopt a revised Duluth flag design statement.
Statement of Purpose
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The purpose of this resolution is to revise the Duluth flag design statement that is originally described in Resolution 19-0559R, resolution to adopt an updated city flag. The new flag design was chosen through a community led process called the Duluth Flag Project, an action step of the adopted Imagine Duluth 2035 Comprehensive Plan (see Chapter 13, page TO-16). The idea to design a new city flag was brought forward during the Imagine Duluth 2035 community engagement process. It was evident that members of the public did not know the city had a flag, but also that they did not recognize the current flag as an inclusive symbol for all Duluthians. Community members were able to participate in this opportunity to design a new flag by submitting their own designs and by voting on selected designs. Through implementation of this comprehensive plan action step, the new city flag is intended to foster a strong sense of civic pride and community connectedness that is a symbol for all Duluthians. Our new flag will represent the city of Duluth’s commitment to integrating equity into the fabric of our flag, our city, and in the delivery of public services in pursuit of equal, fair, and just outcomes for all.
Following the adoption of the new city flag and Duluth flag design statement on August 19, 2019, the city received feedback from the community that one of the core intentions of the project, to foster inclusive processes and projects, was not fully realized. In partnership with the Duluth branch NAACP, the city committed to address these concerns and rewrite the Duluth flag design statement to more fully and accurately reflect all members in our community. The Duluth NAACP produced an assessment of the original Duluth flag design statement and final recommendations for revised language. Meetings were held between the Duluth NAACP and the city to carry out this work. The revised statement reflects the importance of co-creating with community members to elevate, illuminate, and make visible the unique stories and voices of all peoples. Together, we are a stronger community.
Revised Duluth Flag Design Statement:
The design illustrates Duluth's hills and designates some of the area's most prominent topographical features: Thompson Hill, Enger Hill, and Hawk's Ridge. Polaris, the North Star, is perched above the city. The star represents the Zenith City of the North, a leader of the northern sky. The colors found in this flag stand for, the clear blue of the sky, refreshing water of Lake Superior, deep green of the north woods, and snowy winters.
The design acknowledges the ancestral and contemporary presence of the Anishinaabeg - and many other Tribal Nations - who have called this community, Misaabekong (“the place of the giants”), home for millennia.
The design highlights the rolling water of Onigamiising (“the place of the small portage”) where the water meets and where people have always gathered. Duluth, a gathering place where all are welcome.
The flag is a symbol for all of Duluth’s residents and visitors and represents our commitment to equality and inclusiveness. As a community, we embrace the word Umoja, an African principle meaning unity of family, community, nation and our unique ancestries. Our Zenith City is stronger when we embrace all of humanity.