This week’s post is supposed to be focused on 1993 but something truly historic took place here in Mississippi and I felt compelled to write about it. While this is a few days late, I it was worth waiting a couple of extra days to truly take in the reality that the State of Mississippi voted to take down the divisive flag that has flown over the her for the past 126 years. Honestly, my first reaction was that Hell must have frozen over.
Mississippi was the last state in the nation to still display a Confederate battle emblem. This has long been viewed as divisive and representing the few not the many. I’m from the Great State of Texas, where we are extremely proud of our flag, so I understand the passion people may have had, misguided as it was. However, this state has suffered economically to education and it was time for change. It was time for unification of all people of Mississippi. Sadly, it took the wrongful death of George Floyd as well as many others who have been murdered to wake the nation and eventually open the eyes of those here in the state. We shouldn’t have to lose lives to make positive change. Instead, we should strive to make the world around us a better place through kindness, empathy, and selfless acts of humility.
I have lived in Mississippi for a little over 5 years but never called it home. However, after the historic vote this past weekend in Jackson, I am now proud to call this not only my home but the state where I choose to live. There is still a lot of work to do but this was a monumental step towards progress. A few weeks back, the University of Mississippi began work to relocate a Confederate statue from the Circle in front of the Lyceum to a Civil War Cemetery. Again, a step forward in unifying all students and people of Mississippi. We shouldn’t forget the painful past but rather learn from it so that we don’t repeat it.
It’s not clear what flag will fly but the voters will have a few choices to select from in November. I’m personally a big fan of the the Stennis Flag, which I included as the photo for this post. Mississippi is an absolutely beautiful state that has so much to offer. It’s time for the nation to see all these wonderful qualities versus being reminded of the past. My hope is that by taking down and replacing the flag, this will be the first step in healing and growth for all who call this magnificent state home.
25 of 50 - 1993