Minnesota's New Flag Design Sparks Unfounded Somalia Comparisons
Minnesota's recently adopted state flag, featuring state-specific symbols, faces baseless social media claims of Somali influence. Designers and experts refute these allegations, emphasizing the flag's unique representation of Minnesota.
In May 2024, Minnesota unveiled its new state flag, sparking unfounded social media claims linking its design to Somalia's flag. These allegations emerged following Governor Tim Walz's selection as a Democratic vice-presidential contender. However, the flag's designer and expert advisers have firmly refuted these assertions, emphasizing the flag's unique representation of Minnesota's heritage and culture.
The journey to redesign Minnesota's flag began in 2017 when students voiced concerns about the previous design. In 2023, the Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission (SERC) was established to address these issues. By December 2023, SERC presented a new design that adhered to principles of good flag design while honoring Minnesota's identity.
Brian Cham, a member of the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA) who advised SERC, explained the problems with the old flag:
- Cluttered design with too many elements
- Inclusion of the state name, considered poor design practice
- Insensitive symbolism towards indigenous people
The winning design, created by Minnesota resident Andrew Prekker, draws inspiration from the state's rich history and natural features. The new flag incorporates:
- A dark blue field shaped like Minnesota
- A light blue field representing the state's numerous lakes
- An eight-point star symbolizing the North Star, reflecting Minnesota's motto "L'etoile Du Nord"
Prekker and Cham both emphasized that the new flag has no connection to Somalia's flag. The similarities in color and the presence of a star are coincidental, as these elements are common in many flags worldwide. Somalia's flag features a five-point star, each point representing historical Somali regions, while Minnesota's eight-point star is rooted in state-specific symbolism.
"I looked at other U.S. state flags for inspiration, but did not look at other countries or territories. Any similarities people want to see are a coincidence."
The new Minnesota flag embodies the principles of good flag design, being simple enough for a child to remember yet distinctive enough to be recognized at a glance. It incorporates unique symbols specific to Minnesota, uniting and representing all Minnesotans without relying on text to identify the state.
As Minnesota, the 32nd state to join the Union in 1858, continues to evolve, its new flag stands as a testament to the state's commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation. From the mighty Mississippi River originating in Lake Itasca to the bustling Mall of America, the largest in the United States, Minnesota's diverse landscape and rich heritage are now symbolized in a flag that truly speaks for itself.
In conclusion, the claims linking Minnesota's new flag to Somalia's are unfounded. The redesign process was rooted in addressing long-standing issues with the previous flag and creating a symbol that authentically represents Minnesota's unique identity and values.
