The Story Behind the Colors
In 1920, Marcus Mosiah Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association and called for the first Pan-African flag — three stripes: Red, Black, and Green.
But these colors did not begin with Garvey. They are drawn from the Ethiopian flag, the only African nation never to be colonized, a symbol of African resistance and sovereignty that predates modern nations.
Today, over 100 years after Garvey's declaration, these colors are recognized across every continent as the universal signal of Pan-African consciousness. When you wear them, you are part of a movement that began long before you were born — and will continue long after.
Red — the blood of African martyrs. Those who died for the liberation of Africa.
Black — the color of African people. Our identity, our beauty, our pride.
Green — the natural wealth of Africa. Our land, our resources, our future.