(ThyBlackMan.com) At times I wonder if some Southern Whites understand the Confederate battle flag issue outside of themselves. We have heard the issue of this flag hashed and rehashed quite a bit this year due to the national social unrest. The basic argument given regarding the flag is that it is not a symbol of racism, but a part of history and a symbol of Southern heritage. However, I wonder if they are TRULY honest about what goes along with that heritage for Black Americans…enslavement.
One could even say yes, it is a symbol of heritage, but the Confederacy lost the war…so would it be treason to raise that flag in the U.S.? Regardless of why Southern Whites defend it more people are beginning to be of a mind that regardless of heritage it is, and has become, a symbol of: division, hate, racism and a past that is painful for Black Americans.
Natchitoches, LA is a city in North Central Louisiana that is known for meat pies, Northwestern State University and the Festival of Lights Christmas festival that takes place every weekend in December. The festival kicks off the first weekend in December with a really awesome parade. It’s as if the town turns into a cozy Christmas wonderland. In the midst of the beauty, floats, family atmosphere, and many people of various races and ethnicities from different parts of the country the battle flag has waived in the parade for over 20 years. This year parade would be different; 
Mayor Lee Posey decided the Confederate battle flag would not be allowed in the parade this year.
“As mayor, I am accountable to all citizens who live in our city, and for many the Confederate flag is a symbol of hate, bigotry, violence and division,” Posey said during a news conference attended by about 50 people in the Natchitoches Arts Center. “
“To be clear, the city of Natchitoches has not banned the Confederate flag from public display,” Posey said.
“The only thing we have banned is the flag being marched in the Christmas Festival parade.”
The parade “should be a symbol of the Christmas season and should be associated with peace, love and unity,” Posey said.
Though there were many that appreciated the mayor taking a stand against what the flag implies the Sons of Confederate Veterans were outraged. They felt this went against their rights, heritage and hurt their business. Many vowed to be wearing, and carrying, their Confederate flags in protest. However, some members felt the parade should be boycotted. Due to the anger expressed some parade participants were very concerned about safety…especially those with children. Several organizations that involve children pulled out of the parade as a result of the outrage from the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Its important to note that some Whites and well as Blacks pulled out of the parade due to the safety concern.
It’s dangerous to be so hell bent on a matter to the point that it causes one to be unable to see outside of themselves. Its very hard for me to believe that Southern Whites don’t understand all of the negative sentiment that accompanies this flag. Its sad that they can’t even acknowledge the pain this causes others. Bottom line is the flag is more important than the suffering of others. Truthfully speaking that is indeed the problem…preserving the “southern” way of life means stripping humanity from a particular group of people.
It was not right 400yrs ago, and its not right today. As many cities and states in the South begin to confront the Confederate presence in American cities we may be begin to work towards what could be honest dialog about race in the South and in this country . Honesty is the only way we can ever hope to get to healing.
Staff Writer; Christian Starr
May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.
