Outside Skokie’s village hall, a diverse audience gathered as Mayor Ann Tennes spoke. A vibrant green, yellow, and orange flag waved in the sunlight behind them. Tennes expressed gratitude to the 80 individuals who answered the village’s call to design the new flag and the 700 people who gave their feedback. This effort involved many in the flag’s creation.
The winning design came from Buddy Boor, who, with his wife Chelsea, moved to Skokie from Chicago a few years ago. They didn’t know anyone but were quickly welcomed by the community. “It felt like home in a heartbeat,” Boor said. This warmth inspired him to design the flag. During the process, he contemplated Skokie’s representation through symbols like a flower or cattail. However, the idea evolved as he reflected on who the people of Skokie are.
Boor identified three reasons why the flame symbol on the flag perfectly represents the community. It ties back to the strength of its residents. The flame was initially designed by Joe Folise in 1978, during a time when Skokie residents gathered to oppose a neo-Nazi march. Many Skokie residents were Holocaust survivors, and the flame symbolized their unified spirit.
The flag also honors the Potawatomi tribe, once the early inhabitants of the region, revered as ‘keepers of the fire.’ Boor remarked on the importance of maintaining a connection to this indigenous mystery. The flag serves as a beacon, signaling worldwide that Skokie is welcoming. Recognized as one of Illinois’s most diverse communities, Skokie is a melting pot of cultures.
After Boor shared these insights, he and Patrick Deignan, the village’s communications and community engagement director, raised the flag to applause. Mayor Tennes remarked the flag symbolizes community strength through unity. She emphasized that Skokie has an opportunity and responsibility to exemplify kindness, respect, and support.
The Flag Review Panel consisted of community members including:
- Michelle Beatrice, art educator, Skokie School District 73.5.
- Ami Koenig, Ami Koenig Design.
- Randy Payne, Randy Payne Design.
- Pam Sloan, artist and Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission member.
- 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.
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