Skokie’s New Flag Represents Community Spirit and Diversity
Outside Skokie’s village hall, Mayor Ann Tennes addressed a modest gathering, sharing gratitude for the efforts behind Skokie’s new village flag. The flag, featuring vibrant green, yellow, and orange, was designed to symbolize unity and community spirit.
Tennes acknowledged the contributions of 80 individuals who submitted designs, 700 people who voted on finalists, and many others who assisted in the flag’s creation. The winning designer, Buddy Boor, recently settled in Skokie from Chicago with his wife, Chelsea. He expressed surprise at the community’s warmth and explained how this hospitality inspired him to design the flag. Boor aimed to represent Skokie through elements like flowers or historical references but instead focused on what truly defines the village: its people.
Boor and Patrick Deignan, the village’s communications director, shared smiles as they raised the flag at Skokie Village Hall. Boor highlighted three reasons for choosing a flame design. The first reason connects to the flame depicted in the stained glass piece at village hall, created by former employee Joe Folise during a tumultuous time when Skokie faced threats from a neo-Nazi group. This art symbolized the community’s spirit in opposing hate.
The second reason ties the flag to the Potawatomie tribe, original inhabitants of the region, known as the keepers of the fire. Maintaining a connection to indigenous history was important to Boor. The third reason is the flag as a beacon, inviting everyone globally to Skokie’s welcoming, diverse community.
Boor reflected on Skokie’s identity as one of Illinois’ most diverse towns, emphasizing inclusivity as a core part of its essence. After raising the flag to applause, Tennes remarked on the symbol’s representation of unity-derived strength. She urged the community to embody kindness and uphold values as an example for others, with the flag as a testament to these ideals.
The Flag Review Panel, instrumental in the flag’s selection, included:
- Michelle Beatrice, art educator, Skokie School District 73.5
- Ami Koenig, Ami Koenig Design
- Randy Payne, Randy Payne Design
- Pam Sloan, artist and member of the Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission
- Patrick Deignan, Village of Skokie communications & engagement director
- Meredith Gioia, communications manager and Fine Arts Commission staff liaison
- Patrick Biederer, Village of Skokie Building & Inspection Services, artist