In 2015, AHF strongly supported the Flag for All Mississippians Coalition, which advocated for the removal of Confederate symbolism from Mississippi’s state flag.
That year, the nation faced a tragic event—the racially motivated murder of nine Black churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina. This horrific act of hate reignited calls for change in many Southern states, including Mississippi, which mobilized to remove the Confederate battle flag from its state flag. AHF did not hesitate to join this national movement, stepping forward to support the voices of Mississippians calling for action.
In October 2015, supporters of the Flag for All Mississippians Coalition gathered at the Mississippi State Capitol to make their voices heard, and AHF was there to document this historic moment. The event featured powerful speeches, including one from Chokwe Lumumba, Jr., the future mayor of Jackson, Mississippi. He emphasized that the state flag was not a source of pride but rather a symbol of bigotry and hatred.
Mississippi native, musician, and civil rights activist David Banner also spoke at the Capitol that day. He echoed Lumumba’s sentiments, arguing that the use of Confederate symbols in the state flag perpetuated the state’s troubled history of slavery.
In January 2021, Mississippi adopted a new flag that no longer displayed the Confederate battle flag, marking a significant victory in the push for change. AHF undoubtedly played a crucial role in this momentous effort.
AHF’s impact extends far beyond healthcare; it champions human rights and advocates for inclusion across the nation. The organization’s support for the Flag for All Mississippians Coalition is just one example of its unwavering commitment to supporting Black lives and fostering positive change.
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(Love, J)
