All Flags to Fly at Half-Staff Effective Today in Honor of Roscoe Brown

July 5, 2016

NEW YORK––In honor of Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr. — former president of the Bronx Community College, director of the Institute of Afro-American Affairs at New York University, professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, and Tuskegee Airman during World War II — who passed away at the age of 94 on July 2, 2016 in the Bronx, all flags shall be lowered to half-staff effective immediately, by order of the Mayor of the City of New York, Bill de Blasio.

This includes all flags — the New York State and City flags, and the POW-MIA flag on all City buildings, as well as stationary flagstaffs throughout the five boroughs.

Effective: July 5, 2016
Returned: Sunset, July 9, 2016

Statement from Mayor Bill de Blasio:

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Roscoe Brown, a longtime city educator and Tuskegee Airman. Throughout his life, Dr. Brown stood up for justice and equality, becoming one of the first black pilots in the U.S. military during World War II and serving as president of Bronx Community College for 17 years. Dr. Brown has shaped the history of this city and this nation, and we mourn with his family and friends today.”