Many saw the flag as a symbol for hate, despite being a source of political conflict in Mississippi. Mississippi voters voted nearly 2-to-1 in 2001 to keep the divisive flag, ensuring that it remains on the state’s official banner for almost two decades. Supporters of the flag change have struggled for years to get the majority necessary to alter the banner via the regular legislative process. The police shooting death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, a Black man, ignited nationwide protests and brought new attention to the flag. In recent weeks, there has been a lot of pressure from religious, civic, business, university, and sports leaders to take the Confederate emblem off the flag. A growing number of cities, counties, and businesses have stopped flying the flag, or requested that leaders change it. Religious leaders voiced concern, saying that changing the flag was a “moral problem.” This month, the NCAA, SEC and Conference USA took action to prohibit postseason play in Mississippi, until the flag was altered. Robert Johnson, a Democratic Representative from Natchez, said, “As an African American male born in 1958 and grew up as the child of Civil Rights Movement,”. Johnson began to cry and then paused to reflect on the words he heard. They understood and felt the same things I have been feeling for the past 61 years. Johnson stated that Mississippi needed help with poverty and health care. However, the world and the nation “have been reluctant to work with Mississippi.” Johnson also said that removing the Confederate flag will make it easier. Johnson stated that once this flag is gone, people will be able to see the true Mississippi and not just what it represents. On Sunday, the Senate debate lasted approximately two hours. Several senators argued that the issue should be decided by voters and not lawmakers. Before the bill was passed, several senators refuted that argument. Lt. Governor said, “I think the Mississippi Senate, me, personally, want Mississippi to be a heart and soul.” After the vote, Delbert Hosemann said. “Today she had one.” On Sunday, the House approved the bill by a vote 92 to 23. Eight more House members voted to approve the final bill than on Saturday’s procedural vote. The Senate approved the bill with a vote 37-14. One more senator voted to approve than Saturday. Sen. David Jordan (D-Greenwood), who is Black, stated that the flag has been a symbol of American pride for over 100 years. “We have watered this land through our tears and made it richer with our bones. So it’s only fair we have a symbol to represent us and not (remind us) of what has been.” Mississippians were riveted for weeks by the debate over the state flag. The news was heard all over Mississippi after Sunday’s final vote in Senate. Many prominent Mississippians expressed appreciation. Former Gov. William Winter said that the removal of Confederate battle flags from Mississippi’s state flag was long overdue. William Winter released a statement. “I commend the Mississippi Legislature for their swift action today to remove this divisive symbol. Like many Mississippians, I have been fighting for the change of the flag for decades. The flag referendum was 20 years ago the most notable. Winter said, “I’m thrilled by this positive step.” “I am especially grateful to have witnessed this positive step by the state that I love at the age of 97.” Now, attention will turn towards the next steps in developing a new state banner. According to Sunday’s bill, the new design will not include the Confederate battle banner but will include the words “In God We Trust” The resolution states that if voters reject the design in November, the commission will present another option at the 2021 legislative session. Gov. Tate Reeves (Lt. Gov. Three people will be appointed to each commission by Delbert Hosemann, Speaker Philip Gunn. Three representatives must be selected from the Mississippi Economic Council and the Mississippi Arts Commission to serve as the governor’s appointees. Hosemann and Gunn do not have to be appointed to specific commissions. Reeves will sign the bill into law, and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History has up to 15 days to retire the state flag. “All eyes are focused on Mississippi today, and we have made a historic decision,” stated Sen. Angela Turner Ford (chairwoman of the Legislative Black Caucus). “Today marks a transition in Mississippi. It’s a day when we can be proud to adopt a symbol which is inclusive, one that can be supported by all of us…. I hope Mississippians are proud that we’ve made that decision to move forward. Our reporters have put a human face to how policy affects everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their 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. Republish this Story