Mississippi native Faith Hill calls for state flag with Confederate symbol to be changed
Faith Hill is calling for the flag in her home state of Mississippi — which boasts the Confederate battle emblem — to be changed.
The county superstar, who grew up in Star, near Jackson, posted a series of tweets calling on the Mississippi Legislature to get rid of the flag, which is “a direct symbol of terror for our black brothers and sisters.” The flag was adopted in 1894 and is the only state flag to still incorporate the Confederate battle flag, which has become emblematic of racism.
The “proud MS girl,” who is married to fellow country singer Tim McGraw, said that while she understands that some view the “current flag as a symbol of heritage and Southern pride,” the change is necessary in order “for the world to meet the Mississippi of today and not the Mississippi of 1894.” She urged lawmakers to vote to change it and create a new flag “that represents ALL of the citizens of Mississippi.”
To the Mississippi legislature: It’s time to change the state flag.
I am a proud MS girl and I love my home state. When I think of Mississippi, I think of my mom and dad, the church I grew up in, high school football, and where I fell in love with music.— Faith Hill (@FaithHill) June 25, 2020
Now, it is time for the world to meet the Mississippi of today and not the Mississippi of 1894 (when the MS legislature voted on the current flag).
— Faith Hill (@FaithHill) June 25, 2020
I understand many view the current flag as a symbol of heritage and Southern pride, but we have to realize that this flag is a direct symbol of terror for our black brothers and sisters.
— Faith Hill (@FaithHill) June 25, 2020
I urge the Mississippi legislature to vote tomorrow Friday, June 26 on ONE NEW FLAG, one that represents ALL of the citizens of Mississippi.#takeitdownMS #msleg
— Faith Hill (@FaithHill) June 25, 2020
There have been calls to change the flag — originally adopted by white supremacists in Mississippi state government in response to African-Americans gaining political power during Reconstruction — for years, but they have grown in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the renewed demands for racial equality.
Across the country, Confederate statues have been taken down. NASCAR made headlines for banning the rebel flag at venues and events.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, a Republican, said Wednesday that if the flag is going to be changed, it should be done by a statewide election, but he probably wouldn’t stand in the way if legislators had a large enough majority to remove it.
On Friday, it looked like the state Senate was close to having enough votes, two-thirds majority, with a vote expected during the day.
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