THE PEOPLE’S FLAG OF CLEVELAND
a symbol of pride
for cleveland.
THE PEOPLE’S FLAG OF CLEVELAND IS HERE.
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!
Congratulations to the designer of the Cleveland People’s Flag, Shan Rodich!
THE MEANING BEHIND THE DESIGN
The flag’s elements are packed with symbols, used as subtle nods to Ohio and Cleveland history.
We are an organization of passionate Clevelanders whose mission is to research, commission, and introduce a new city flag that embodies Cleveland’s spirit of progress and prosperity while representing the diversity and inclusivity of our vibrant community. Through this symbol, we aim to inspire pride and unity, fostering a shared sense of belonging and representation for all community members as we embark on the next phase of our city's growth and development.
OUR MISSION
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.
FOLLOW US!
500+ Submissions,
one goal
While a new People’s Flag has already been chosen, let’s not forget the hundreds of submissions we received from people all over Northeast Ohio — and even overseas!