In a historic move towards inclusivity and representation, Minnesota unveiled its new state flag on May 11, 2024. The design, which features an eight-pointed North Star against a dark blue background shaped like the state, with a solid light blue field at the right, was created by Andrew Prekker, a member of the LGBTQ community from Luverne. This marks a significant step in Minnesota's efforts to embrace diversity and acknowledge the contributions of its diverse communities.
The Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission selected Prekker's design from more than 2,100 submissions, reflecting the state's commitment to embracing change and progress. The new flag replaces the previous design, which was criticized for its depiction of Native Americans and was seen as not accurately representing Minnesota's diverse population. The change was part of a broader effort to modernize the state's symbols and make them more inclusive.
Prekker expressed his pride in contributing to Minnesota's history in a special way, stating, "It's such a rare privilege to be able to contribute to our state's history and sauce in such a special way like this and I'm so proud to be able to say I helped design the new Minnesota state flag." This sentiment reflects the broader significance of the new flag as a symbol of unity and progress for all Minnesotans.
The new state flag and seal are designed to accurately and respectfully reflect Minnesota's shared history, resources, and diverse cultural communities. The process of redesigning the flag and seal was a collaborative effort involving members of the public, elected officials, artists, historians, and representatives of the state's diverse communities. The result is a new emblem that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful and representative of Minnesota's values and identity.
As the new flag is raised across the state, it serves as a reminder of Minnesota's commitment to inclusivity, respect for its diverse communities, and progress towards a more equitable future.
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