In the summer of 2015, a 21-year-old “white dude” (according to the 911 caller) who had written a racist manifesto entered Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina during bible study and killed nine people. A swift backlash ensued and two weeks later the Confederate flag was removed from South Carolina state house grounds. This left Mississippi as the remaining state to fly this symbol of racism, slavery, and white supremacy at the capitol building.
This film reasonably presents both sides of the fierce battle over removing or keeping the Confederate pennant as the official Mississippi state flag. Interviews with members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans reveal the passion of men whose forbearers fought in the Civil War and who see the flag as honoring Confederate veterans and a longstanding representation of the South.
Interviewed African Americans and many activists view the flag as a “disgusting emblem of inequality,” among other negative perceptions. Flag proponents refer to a 2001 referendum in which voters agreed to keep the Confederate flag. The program relies on interviews as well as scenes at protests, Civil War reenactments, political gatherings, and other events (some violent and raucous) that reveal both vitriol and passion.
Historic sepia-tone photographs, news footage, editorial cartoons, and captioned quotes and headings are also featured. Artist Laurin Stennis, the granddaughter of late segregationist and U.S. Senator John Stennis, designs an alternate state flag that some see as a viable replacement.
In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd and ongoing Black Lives Matter protests, pressure intensified to remove the flag. On July 1, 2020, the Mississippi governor signed a law to retire the Confederate flag. Residents were encouraged to submit new designs and the winning flag featuring a magnolia and 20 stars was raised in triumph or sadness depending on one’s views.
With an introductory warning about explicit violence and language, this is best suited for college and public library collections to raise awareness about the symbolism and traditions of the Confederate flag and to encourage discussions on race relations, gun violence, Civil War history, and other newsworthy topics. Recommended.