Last week, the unveiling of Skokie’s new village flag took place outside Skokie’s village hall, with Mayor Ann Tennes addressing a small crowd. Amidst the gathering, the flag in vibrant green, yellow, and orange shades stood out, its colors illuminated by the afternoon sun.
Mayor Tennes expressed gratitude to the community for their involvement in the flag design process. Around 80 people submitted designs, over 700 provided feedback, and many contributed to executing the final design. Buddy Boor, the designer of the winning flag, shared his experience. He moved to Skokie from Chicago with his wife Chelsea a couple of years ago. Despite initially not knowing anyone, they experienced a warm welcome that made Skokie feel like home instantly.
Boor wanted the flag to represent Skokie uniquely and considered elements like flowers or cattails but felt none captured the essence. He realized that what defines Skokie isn’t just its location, but its people. With this in mind, Boor designed a flag centered on three key ideas tied to the community’s strength.
Boor’s first source of inspiration came from the flame design featured in the stained-glass artwork at the village hall. Created by Joe Folise in 1978 during a time when a neo-Nazi group threatened to march in Skokie, the flame symbolized the community’s spirit opposing hate, especially amongst its Holocaust survivor residents. Boor highlighted that the flag also honors the Potawatomie tribe, early inhabitants of the region known as the keepers of the fire. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a connection to Skokie’s indigenous history.
The flame on the flag also serves as a beacon, signaling a welcome to people worldwide. Boor noted Skokie’s melting pot of diversity as integral to its identity. After his speech, Boor and Patrick Deignan, Skokie’s communications and community engagement director, raised the flag to applause. Mayor Tennes remarked on the flag’s symbolism of the community’s unity and strength. She underscored Skokie’s obligation to exemplify kindness, respect, and support globally, with the flag representing these values.
The Flag Review Panel played a crucial role in the flag’s development, consisting of:
- Michelle Beatrice, art educator from Skokie School District 73.5
- Ami Koenig, designer at Ami Koenig Design
- Randy Payne, designer at 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 & Fine Arts Commission staff liaison
- Patrick Biederer, artist from Village of Skokie Building & Inspection Services
Duneland Area Celebrates Brown Mansion Restoration 
Minnesota Lynx Coach’s Shirt Sparks Trans-Athlete Debate 
The Rise of Young Collectors at the National Sports Collectors Convention 
Indigenous Photographers Challenge Stereotypes 
Mixed Reactions and Observations from Recent Travels 
Challenges Facing Small Arts Organizations Amid Economic Pressures