Thread by @JemarTisby

Times like these remind me of how much I can’t stand the state flag of Mississippi! It infuriates me that the only reason this symbol of white supremacy still stands is that white supremacists want it up and because politicians crave their votes. #TakeItDownMS

Every time the nation erupts in racial tumult again, nothing a Mississippi flag supporter says in regard to racial equity makes sense. That’s why the current governor, Tate Reeves’ words ring so hollow. Take down the flag!

“But taking down the flag won’t solve racism!” Nope. It won’t. No one is arguing that. But flying the flag as a symbol of this state (and nation by corollary) does active harm. Folks like me who give a darn about Black lives can’t see it as anything but a defiant display of hate.

If you’re outside of Mississippi you may not know this, but there’s already a very popular alternative. It was designed by the granddaughter of segregationist senator John C. Stennis.
#PutItUp
declaremississippi.com

And it’s not just a Mississippi thing or a Southern thing. What happens or doesn’t happen in Mississippi is a bellwether for the rest of the country. If you want to know how far we’ve come and how far we can go on race as a country, Mississippi is a sign.

But maybe the nation needs a Mississippi and a Mississippi needs its flag. At least it lets us know where some people (not the nearly 40% of Black people + their advocates) in this state stand. You’re showing us what you really think of Black lives. We see you.