Mississippians gathered outside the governor’s mansion for the historic signing of the bill that removes the state flag with the confederate battle emblem. It’s an emotional time for some.
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About 35 people are waiting outside the governor’s mansion in Jackson for the start of the bill signing ceremony to retire the state flag. Jeanette Perkins of Jackson was one of the first to arrive.
“Just to be a part to be out here, knowing here it’s happening, and being a part of history, that’s just monumental to me. Because having been a victim of racism, understanding what this flag represents, I’m just glad that it’s being done,” said Perkins.
Sara Scott , a native New Yorker lives in Gulfport now. She says she didn’t realize the impact of the state flag on some Mississippians until she moved to the state.
“You know I grew up learning about the Civil War, going to Gettysburg and things like that and I didn’t realize it until I saw it for myself that it needs to come down. It’s too much of a negative symbol for so many,” said Scott.
Those following the signing ceremony on their phones yell “It’s Done.”
Employees at the capitol raising and lowering several state flags with the confederate emblem
John Knight, an advocate for criminal justice reform wipes away tears.
“When God sent his son here to die, he didn’t die for a certain race of people. He came to die for all people so all people could live and be happy. But this confederate emblem always kept a dark shadow over the brown and black people in the State of Mississippi,” said Knight.
Jennifer Petrovich of Jackson, says she wants to know from legislators why it took so long.
“The hardness of it speaks to the thing, the elephant in the room. That just shows us how much more work we have to do. It should've been easy a long time ago,” said Petrovich.
“What’s the elephant in the room.?” said Frazier.
“Racism,” said Petrovich.
No one appeared to protest the removal of the flag. People here say this is the beginning of working to move Mississippi forward together.
