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The People’s Flag of Cleveland
After months of community engagement, hundreds of design submissions, and thousands of votes, the moment has arrived—Cleveland’s new symbol is here: The People’s Flag of Cleveland!
This flag represents pride, unity, and our shared identity, bringing Clevelanders of all backgrounds together under a unifying symbol of our community. It honors our rich history, reflects our resilience, and looks ahead to a bright future.
We want to extend our sincere appreciation to all of the community members, volunteers, organizations, and local businesses who have helped champion this cause and bring us to this historic moment!
Shop the Flag & Apparel – Get your own People’s Flag and exclusive flag apparel from our growing group of creative partners including Flags for Good, Wild Northland and more!
Support a Great Cause – A portion of proceeds from the People’s Flag and other merch sales benefits local programs including Greater Cleveland Food Bank, Resource Cleveland, the Cleveland APL and more!
Learn the Meaning Behind the Flag – Every element of the design represents Cleveland’s past, present, and future. Explore the symbolism here.
Meet the Designer – The winning flag was created by Shan Rodich of Aurora, Ohio, whose design was selected through our community-driven process. Learn more about the designer.
THE MEANING BEHIND THE DESIGN
The flag’s elements are packed with symbols, used as subtle nods to Ohio and Cleveland history.
OUR PAST ENRICHES
OUR FUTURE VISION.
1895
The official municipal symbols for Cleveland were adopted—the city’s flag, motto, and ceremonial seal. The city’s flag came to be when New York journalist, Julian Ralph, proposed the idea to William Stokely, a reporter with The Plain Dealer. After visiting Cleveland, Ralph was impressed with the city’s civic spirit and was surprised a city flag did not already exist.
To engage Cleveland citizens in the selection of the flag, Ralph, Stokely and city leaders held a municipal flag design contest through The Plain Dealer. In October of 1895, following two dozen submissions, 18-year-old Susan Hepburn was named the prize-winning designer.
Introducing the People’s Pride Flag of Cleveland
Celebrate unity, diversity, and local pride with the People’s Pride Flag of Cleveland — a vibrant expression of support among our Cleveland friends and neighbors.
An adaptation of the Progress Pride Flag, created by the visionary Daniel Quasar, this unique design fuses the People’s Flag of Cleveland with the inclusive colors of the LGBTQ+ Pride flag. The result? A powerful emblem of progress and solidarity that reflects the vibrant spirit of Cleveland and honors every member of our community.
Supporting a Cause That Matters - A portion of proceeds from this flag and related merchandise will be donated to the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, helping to uplift and support our LGBTQ+ neighbors.
Shop the Flag & Apparel – Get your own People’s Pride Flag and exclusive flag apparel from our partners at Field Trip Merch and Flags for Good.
Learn about the history of Progress Flag – Explore the symbolism here.
