Reeves avoided four questions during a June 10 press conference about whether the flag represented all Mississippians. Reeves stated that he believes people will eventually want to change the flag. However, it should be decided by the people and not politicians making a deal in Jackson. “I believe that if there’s going to be real change in our state,” Reeves said. People close to Reeves were privately telling top Mississippi business leaders that Reeves deserves credit for getting the Senate votes to take down the flag. Many Senate leaders laughed at this notion and told Mississippi Today that the governor had no part in the effort. The bill was signed by both chambers on Sunday. Lt. Governor. Delbert Hosemann claimed that he hadn’t spoken to Reeves during the historic weekend in which lawmakers removed the flag. A reporter asked House Speaker Philip Gunn whether he had spoken to Reeves during the weekend. Gunn simply responded: “No.” Reeves earned the ire both of the most vocal critics and of those who defended the flag. Lea Campbell, president of the Mississippi Rising Coalition, said that Tate Reeves was motivated by money and not morality. The group actively lobbyed legislators to change the flag. He gave in when it became an economic issue. Reeves, a Mississippi politician for over 30 years, has shown his dedication to protecting symbols of white supremacy. He and his allies have benefited financially from it. Campbell said that the flag issue was no different. He and his allies were not okay with losing money. White supremacy can only be moved by power and money. Reeves stated that he would sign any bill sent to him by lawmakers if he did not change the flag. Reeves wrote Saturday morning, “We shouldn’t be under any illusions that a vote at the Capitol is the end” “… I love you, Mississippi” But Reeves’ promise to sign the bill was met by scorn from lawmakers. Their proposal to remove the flag from the Capitol passed the House and Senate with more than the two-thirds majority required to override the governor’s veto. The governor then tried to stop the bill becoming law. After the Saturday statement was released, lawmakers started to vote. Pro-flag Mississippians attacked Reeves via social media, stating that they regret voting for him in 2019, and vowing to stop him from being re-elected in 2023. Popular Facebook groups, such as the Mississippians to Keep the Flag of 1894, have turned into anti-Tate Reeves Pages, posting memes and statements such as: “We need nail Governor Tate Reeves on the wall, we’re being betrayed, our vote doesn’t count. Who ELECTED TATE Reeves and WHY DID IT ELECT HIM GIVEHIM HELL BEFORE BAKEFAST, LUNCH, and SUPPER” “I am disappointed in Gov. Reeves,” stated George Bond, the Chairman of the Coalition to Save the State flag. “The Mississippi people voted for him because he believed that any flag change would be sent directly to them,” Bond, the chairman of the Coalition to Save the State Flag, said. While he may try to deny that technically, we get to choose the flag design in November but that it is forced upon us through the Legislature,” Bond said. To gauge the opinions of the seven other elected officials in the state, Reeves called a meeting. Hosemann and Lynn Fitch, the Attorney General, were not present at the meeting. All of the state officials, except Reeves, and Secretary of State Michael Watson, had supported the removal of the old flag at the meeting. However, most didn’t say whether the decision should be made by the legislature or by the people. Now, the bill Reeves signed Tuesday is law. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History will have 15 days to retire the state flag. A commission of nine people will be formed to design a new design. Mississippi voters will then approve or reject the design on the November 2020 ballot. Mississippi will not have an official state flag in the interim. According to the law, the new design will not include the Confederate battle banner but will include the words “In God We Trust” If voters reject the design, the commission will present another option at the 2021 legislative session. Our reporters give a human face to policy and the impact it has on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding those who live in Mississippi’s communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.