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#AskJAXTDY | Are funds still set aside for Confederate monument removal?
Read full article: #AskJAXTDY | Are funds still set aside for Confederate monument removal?Q: Jacksonville Today reader Jonathon A. wants to know what is happening with the money set aside by the City Council for Confederate monument removal.
In reversal, Virginia school board votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schools
Read full article: In reversal, Virginia school board votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schoolsA Virginia school board has voted to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to a high school and an elementary school four years after the names were removed.
Take Em Down Jax hosts party to celebrate ‘sweet victory’ of Confederate monument removals
Read full article: Take Em Down Jax hosts party to celebrate ‘sweet victory’ of Confederate monument removalsTake ‘Em Down Jax held a party Friday to celebrate the removal of Confederate monuments and the change of school names connected to the Civil War around Jacksonville.
‘Vile’ and ‘bigoted’: Local Republican lawmaker raises concerns over monuments bill after comments from supporters
Read full article: ‘Vile’ and ‘bigoted’: Local Republican lawmaker raises concerns over monuments bill after comments from supportersSenate President Kathleen Passidomo on Wednesday raised questions about the fate of a proposal to protect historic monuments and memorials after several lawmakers voiced outrage over comments Tuesday by supporters of the bill.
‘Clear double standard’: Mayor Deegan calls out city council for outrage following removal of Confederate monument
Read full article: ‘Clear double standard’: Mayor Deegan calls out city council for outrage following removal of Confederate monumentJacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is calling out the Republican-led city council, calling outrage surrounding the removal of the Confederate monument in Springfield Park a “manufactured controversy.”
Jax Chamber says it’s time to move forward, address other major issues after Confederate monument removal
Read full article: Jax Chamber says it’s time to move forward, address other major issues after Confederate monument removalThe Jax Chamber, a business organization representing more than 3,000 businesses serving Northeast Florida, said in a statement released Thursday that it’s time to look ahead following the controversial removal of a Confederate monument from Springfield Park last week.
City Council president wants to block mayors from using private funds for city projects after monument removed
Read full article: City Council president wants to block mayors from using private funds for city projects after monument removedJacksonville City Council members want answers from the city's top attorney after Mayor Donna Deegan’s decision to remove a Confederate monument from Springfield Park, using private funds.
Proposed bill could result in withheld arts and culture funding if historic monuments are removed in Florida
Read full article: Proposed bill could result in withheld arts and culture funding if historic monuments are removed in FloridaAlthough the monument dedicated to the women of the Confederacy in Jacksonville’s Springfield Park was removed Wednesday, the battle over Confederate monuments in Florida is far from over.
Legal questions remain following removal of Confederate monument from Springfield Park
Read full article: Legal questions remain following removal of Confederate monument from Springfield ParkThe removal of a Confederate monument in Jacksonville is still raising questions a day after the surprise move.
Despite outcry, Mayor Deegan says she had legal authority to remove Confederate monument, and it wasn’t a secret
Read full article: Despite outcry, Mayor Deegan says she had legal authority to remove Confederate monument, and it wasn’t a secretJacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan said it was no secret the Confederate monument in Springfield Park was going to come down. She said on Wednesday she decided the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day was the time to make it happen and follow through on one of her campaign promises.
‘He would say great job Jacksonville’: Daughter of late civil rights activist remembers father as statue comes down
Read full article: ‘He would say great job Jacksonville’: Daughter of late civil rights activist remembers father as statue comes downBen Frazier, who died in June at the age of 73 following a battle with cancer, spent years fighting for the historic moment that happened Wednesday.
Historian: Springfield Park Confederate monument was put up to intimidate Black residents during Jim Crow era
Read full article: Historian: Springfield Park Confederate monument was put up to intimidate Black residents during Jim Crow eraIn 1915, the Florida Legislature paid for half of the $25,000 it cost to build the statue that sat in Springfield Park until Wednesday.
‘Donna Deegan is our Mayor, not our Monarch’: Councilman criticizes removal of Confederate monument in Springfield
Read full article: ‘Donna Deegan is our Mayor, not our Monarch’: Councilman criticizes removal of Confederate monument in SpringfieldJacksonville Councilman Nick Howland was critical of the city’s decision on Wednesday to remove a Confederate monument from a park in Springfield.
‘Symbols matter’: Confederate monument removed from Springfield Park on mayor’s order
Read full article: ‘Symbols matter’: Confederate monument removed from Springfield Park on mayor’s orderBefore first light on Wednesday, construction crews began the process of removing a Confederate statue in Springfield Park that has long been the subject of debate in Jacksonville.
Confederate statue removed overnight in 2020 finally returned to Hemming family
Read full article: Confederate statue removed overnight in 2020 finally returned to Hemming familyNews4JAX has learned the city is keeping good on a promise and returning a confederate statue to the family that donated it to Jacksonville.
Activist group rallies at Jacksonville City Hall against new legislation on removal of Confederate monuments
Read full article: Activist group rallies at Jacksonville City Hall against new legislation on removal of Confederate monumentsA local activist group will gather at City Hall on Tuesday at 4 p.m. to rally against the new legislation that would punish lawmakers who vote to take down historical monuments.
New legislation would punish lawmakers who vote to take down Confederate monuments
Read full article: New legislation would punish lawmakers who vote to take down Confederate monumentsState Representative Dean Black has filed legislation that would punish lawmakers who vote to successfully take down Confederate monuments. If it is passed next year by the Florida legislature, it would have a big impact on what’s happening in Jacksonville with Confederate monuments.
National Cathedral replaces windows honoring Confederacy with stained-glass homage to racial justice
Read full article: National Cathedral replaces windows honoring Confederacy with stained-glass homage to racial justiceThe landmark Washington National Cathedral has unveiled new stained-glass windows with a theme of racial justice.
Civil rights groups condemn 'Soul Fest' concerts at Georgia park with giant Confederate carving
Read full article: Civil rights groups condemn 'Soul Fest' concerts at Georgia park with giant Confederate carvingCivil rights groups are criticizing a concert series with Black performers dubbed “Soul Fest” that is being held at a Georgia park with a giant carving of Confederate leaders.
Take Em Down Jax calls on new city leaders to move forward with removal of Confederate monuments
Read full article: Take Em Down Jax calls on new city leaders to move forward with removal of Confederate monumentsThe organization Take Em Down Jax has continuously advocated for the removal of Confederate monuments in Jacksonville for years.
Supreme Court won't review North Carolina's decision to nix license plates with Confederate flag
Read full article: Supreme Court won't review North Carolina's decision to nix license plates with Confederate flagThe Supreme Court says it won’t review North Carolina’s decision to stop issuing specialty license plates with the Confederate flag.
Confederate monument pedestal removed from James Weldon Johnson Park
Read full article: Confederate monument pedestal removed from James Weldon Johnson ParkThe last remaining piece of a 125-year-old Confederate monument in the heart of downtown Jacksonville was removed over the weekend from James Weldon Johnson Park across the street from Jacksonville’s City Hall, as first reported by the Florida Times-Union.
How do you feel about confederate monuments being a campaign issue in the mayoral race?
Read full article: How do you feel about confederate monuments being a campaign issue in the mayoral race?In a recent debate between the two candidate for mayor, Donna Deegan and Daniel Davis, the two addressed their stance on using taxpayer money to remove confederate monuments in the city.
Group says Confederate monuments should stay in place, but more statues of Black leaders should be added
Read full article: Group says Confederate monuments should stay in place, but more statues of Black leaders should be addedOne group is hoping to end the ongoing debate over Confederate monuments with a compromise.
Rioter who menaced officer with Confederate flag gets prison
Read full article: Rioter who menaced officer with Confederate flag gets prisonA Delaware man who threatened a Black police officer with a pole attached to a Confederate battle flag as he stormed the U.S. Capitol has been sentenced to three years in prison.
City Council approves legislation to ban projecting unwanted messages on property
Read full article: City Council approves legislation to ban projecting unwanted messages on propertyThe Jacksonville City Council on Tuesday approved legislation that bans any message projected onto someone’s building or property without permission.
Jacksonville City Council plans to take action, address Confederate monuments as fate remains undecided
Read full article: Jacksonville City Council plans to take action, address Confederate monuments as fate remains undecidedContention among parties defending or protesting the removal of the Confederate monuments around Jacksonville has been an ongoing issue since the topic was first introduced in 2020.
Groups in favor of removing Confederate statues holding rally Tuesday
Read full article: Groups in favor of removing Confederate statues holding rally TuesdayMultiple groups in Jacksonville are gearing up to hold a rally Tuesday to protest Confederate monuments that are still standing in Jacksonville.
TIAA Bank Field becoming a place for protest statements
Read full article: TIAA Bank Field becoming a place for protest statementsTIAA Bank Field was the site of another protest statement Sunday before the Jaguars game. A confederate flag was flown over the stadium, with the words "put monuments back."
Jacksonville City Council responds to the “put monuments back” banner over TIAA Bank Field
Read full article: Jacksonville City Council responds to the “put monuments back” banner over TIAA Bank FieldThe Jacksonville City Council is responding to a banner that flew over TIAA Bank Field before the Jaguars game on Sunday. The banner had a Confederate flag and with the words “put monuments back” on it.
Airplane flies Confederate flag over TIAA Bank Field with message that calls for return of monuments
Read full article: Airplane flies Confederate flag over TIAA Bank Field with message that calls for return of monumentsBefore the start of the Jacksonville Jaguars game on Sunday, an airplane flew over TIAA Bank Field with a banner in tow showing the Confederate flag.
Mastriano wore Confederate uniform for faculty photo
Read full article: Mastriano wore Confederate uniform for faculty photoPennsylvania GOP gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano posed in a Confederate uniform for a faculty photo at the Army War College, three years before he retired from the U.S. Army.
Statue of civil rights pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune unveiled at the US Capitol’s Statuary Hall
Read full article: Statue of civil rights pioneer Mary McLeod Bethune unveiled at the US Capitol’s Statuary HallThe U.S. Capitol has unveiled its first Black American statue, replacing a confederate general.
Billboard pushes for removal of Confederate monument in Putnam County
Read full article: Billboard pushes for removal of Confederate monument in Putnam CountyThe Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has raised a billboard in Putnam County that pushes for the removal of a Confederate monument that stands at the entrance of the county’s Courthouse.
What’s next for the controversial confederate monuments in Jacksonville?
Read full article: What’s next for the controversial confederate monuments in Jacksonville?Now that the Jacksonville city council unanimously decided not to take down the controversial confederate monuments immediately, what is next?
Confederate flag-toting man, son convicted in Capitol riot
Read full article: Confederate flag-toting man, son convicted in Capitol riotA federal judge has convicted a Confederate flag-toting man and his son of charges that they stormed the U.S. Capitol together to obstruct Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
Council votes down resolution asking city to make plan, budget $500K to remove Confederate monuments
Read full article: Council votes down resolution asking city to make plan, budget $500K to remove Confederate monumentsThe Jacksonville City Council on Tuesday voted against a resolution that asked Mayor Lenny Curry and the city to propose a plan that would budget $500,000 to remove remaining Confederate monuments.
Public sounds off on Confederate monuments during city council meeting
Read full article: Public sounds off on Confederate monuments during city council meetingIt’s likely that the topic of Jacksonville’s remaining Confederate monuments will lead the discussion during public comment Tuesday evening at city council’s biweekly meeting.
SC workers may get Juneteenth, Confederate holiday choice
Read full article: SC workers may get Juneteenth, Confederate holiday choiceA bill that would allow state employees to take the Juneteenth holiday or any other day instead of Confederate Memorial Day has unanimously passed the South Carolina Senate.
While 75 Confederate memorials remain in Florida, 30 removed since 2015, SPLC report shows
Read full article: While 75 Confederate memorials remain in Florida, 30 removed since 2015, SPLC report showsThe Southern Poverty Law Center on Tuesday released the third edition of its “Whose Heritage?” report, which tracks memorials honoring the American Confederacy and its leaders throughout the United States.
Experts pull documents, money from Lee statue time capsule
Read full article: Experts pull documents, money from Lee statue time capsuleConservation experts in Virginia’s capital pulled books, money, ammunition, documents and other artifacts from a time capsule found in the remnants of a pedestal that once held a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E.
Civil rights demonstrators wants Jaguars, NFL to join Confederate monument removal effort
Read full article: Civil rights demonstrators wants Jaguars, NFL to join Confederate monument removal effortThe Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, the most outspoken civil rights organization in the River City, is renewing its push to bring down a Confederate monument that sits in Springfield Park.
Northam to remove Lee statue pedestal, transfer land to city
Read full article: Northam to remove Lee statue pedestal, transfer land to cityVirginia Gov. Ralph Northam has announced that his administration will remove an enormous pedestal that until earlier this year held a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E.
Group offers proposal to keep Confederate statues, add others to honor all cultures
Read full article: Group offers proposal to keep Confederate statues, add others to honor all culturesA group in favor of keeping Confederate monuments in Jacksonville took to the steps of City Hall on Friday to offer a proposal to keep the current statues and add others to honor all cultures.
Future of Confederate monuments a top priority for Jacksonville City Council in 2022
Read full article: Future of Confederate monuments a top priority for Jacksonville City Council in 2022There are a number of pressing issues and hot-button topics facing Jacksonville, including the future of the city’s remaining Confederate monuments, suspension of curbside recycling pickup and traffic delays due to trains.
Confederate monument’s future unclear after City Council withdraws bill to fund removal
Read full article: Confederate monument’s future unclear after City Council withdraws bill to fund removalAs of Thursday, it remained unclear what might happen to the Confederate monument that sits in Springfield Park.
Curry: ‘It’s unfortunate’ City Council didn’t make decision on Confederate monument
Read full article: Curry: ‘It’s unfortunate’ City Council didn’t make decision on Confederate monumentJacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said it’s unfortunate that his legislation to remove a Confederate monument from Springfield Park was withdrawn by the City Council.
Councilman, influential groups ask city council to postpone vote on Confederate monument removal
Read full article: Councilman, influential groups ask city council to postpone vote on Confederate monument removalA Jacksonville City Counil member along with the chairman of the Jax Chamber are calling for the city council to postpone an upcoming vote to remove a Confederate moment that is still standing in a Springfield park.
Protesters slam City Council over upcoming Confederate monument vote
Read full article: Protesters slam City Council over upcoming Confederate monument voteBad weather didn’t stop a protest in front of City Hall Friday morning by members of Take 'Em Down Jax who are upset about a Confederate moment still standing in a Springfield park. That statue is likely to remain in place despite legislation introduced by Mayor Lenny Curry to have it removed.
3rd council committee vote to leave Confederate monument in Springfield Park sparks protest
Read full article: 3rd council committee vote to leave Confederate monument in Springfield Park sparks protestA third Jacksonville City Council committee has voted over two days against spending $1.3 million to move a Confederate monument from Springfield Park, the decision coming after activists chanting, “Take ‘em down; take ‘em down” were cleared from the room.
2 Jacksonville City Council committees vote down removal of Confederate statue from Springfield Park
Read full article: 2 Jacksonville City Council committees vote down removal of Confederate statue from Springfield ParkDuring its Tuesday evening meeting, the Jacksonville City Council is scheduled to discuss an ordinance that would appropriate $1.3 million to fund the removal of a Confederate statue in Springfield Park.
City’s remaining Confederate monuments take spotlight in public comment during Council meeting
Read full article: City’s remaining Confederate monuments take spotlight in public comment during Council meetingFor weeks, the Northside Collation of Jacksonville has been pressing the city follow through with the removal of all remaining Confederate monuments, and on Tuesday, the organization held another rally outside City Hall.
Removing Confederate statue from Springfield Park could cost at least $1.2 million
Read full article: Removing Confederate statue from Springfield Park could cost at least $1.2 millionThe estimated cost for the removal of the Confederate monument at Springfield Park could cost more than $1 million, an email sent from the city to Jacksonville City Council members shows.
Court says Georgia city can ban Confederate flag in veterans parade
Read full article: Court says Georgia city can ban Confederate flag in veterans paradeA federal appeals court says a Georgia city did not violate the constitutional rights of a Sons of Confederate Veterans group when it banned the Confederate battle flag from its annual parade honoring veterans of American wars.
Famed cathedral names artist to replace Confederate windows
Read full article: Famed cathedral names artist to replace Confederate windowsWashington National Cathedral says an artist renowned for his works depicting African American life will design new stained-glass windows with racial justice themes to replace ones with Confederate imagery.
Rally calls for removal of all Confederate monuments in Jacksonville
Read full article: Rally calls for removal of all Confederate monuments in JacksonvilleAbout two dozen people with the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville gathered Tuesday at City Hall to call for the removal of all Confederate monuments in the city.
Group rallies at City Hall to call for removal of Confederate monument at Springfield Park
Read full article: Group rallies at City Hall to call for removal of Confederate monument at Springfield ParkMembers of the Northside Coalition of Jacksonville and other people rallied Wednesday at City Hall to call for the removal of a Confederate monument.
Confederate bust moved from Tennessee Capitol building
Read full article: Confederate bust moved from Tennessee Capitol buildingA decades-long fight has been resolved in Tennessee, over the bust of a Confederate general and early Ku Klux Klan leader that stood in a place of honor inside the state's Capitol.
Jacksonville lawsuit argues spending tax money on Confederate statues violates Constitution
Read full article: Jacksonville lawsuit argues spending tax money on Confederate statues violates ConstitutionMore than a year after a Confederate statue was removed from the now James Weldon Johnson Park, a Jacksonville man has filed a lawsuit against Mayor Lenny Curry and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over other statues that are still standing.
'An incredible day' as Lee statue removed in Charlottesville
Read full article: 'An incredible day' as Lee statue removed in CharlottesvilleA Confederate monument that helped spark a violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been hoisted off its stone pedestal and hauled away to storage.
Names removed from Robert E. Lee High, other school signs and buildings
Read full article: Names removed from Robert E. Lee High, other school signs and buildingsFollowing the Duval County School Board’s decision to rename Robert. E Lee High, the Confederate general's name has been removed from the sign outside the Jacksonville school.
Virginia city council votes to remove Confederate statues
Read full article: Virginia city council votes to remove Confederate statuesOfficials in a Virginia city have voted unanimously to remove two statues of Confederate generals, including one that was the focus of a violent white nationalist rally in 2017.
Virginia court to hear challenges to removal of Lee statue
Read full article: Virginia court to hear challenges to removal of Lee statueThe Supreme Court of Virginia is set to hear arguments in legal challenges to Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam's plan to take down a 131-year-old statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E.
Duval County schools prepare to count school renaming votes
Read full article: Duval County schools prepare to count school renaming votesAfter months of voting, Duval County Public Schools on Wednesday will begin tabulating ballots cast for and against the renaming of nine Jacksonville schools that carry the names of Confederate officers or other controversial historical figures.
Arrest warrant issued for man in Confederate monument theft
Read full article: Arrest warrant issued for man in Confederate monument theftPolice in Alabama have issued an arrest warrant for a man in connection with the bizarre theft of a Confederate monument that was taken from an Alabama cemetery and found in Louisiana.
Group asks why Jacksonville never followed through on removing Confederate statues
Read full article: Group asks why Jacksonville never followed through on removing Confederate statuesTake ‘Em Down Jacksonville’ rallied on the steps of City Hall on Tuesday telling Mayor Lenny to keep his promise to remove all the Confederate statues in Jacksonville.
Confederate Memorial Day remains legal holiday in Florida, other southern states
Read full article: Confederate Memorial Day remains legal holiday in Florida, other southern statesThere are no major events planned around it these days, but April 26 continues to be Confederate Memorial Day -- a state-sanctioned holiday in Florida. The birthdays for Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee also remain legal holidays in Florida.
High court: Charlottesville can remove Confederate statues
Read full article: High court: Charlottesville can remove Confederate statuesOn Thursday, April 1, 2021, Virginia's highest court ruled that the city of Charlottesville can take down this and another statue of a Confederate general. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia's highest court ruled Thursday that the city of Charlottesville can take down two statues of Confederate generals, including one of Robert E. Lee that became the focus of a violent white nationalist rally in 2017. AdThe Jackson statue was erected in Jackson Park in 1921 and the Lee statue was erected in Lee Park in 1924. The state Supreme Court also ruled that the circuit court erred in ordering the city to pay $365,000 in plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees and costs. University of Virginia law Richard Schragger, who specializes in the intersection of constitutional law and local government law, said he took the position early in the litigation that the law didn’t apply to the Charlottesville statues.
Arizona GOP wants felony for protesters who damage statues
Read full article: Arizona GOP wants felony for protesters who damage statuesRepublicans in the Arizona Legislature are reacting to last year's wave of damage to Confederate monuments by civil rights protesters here and across the nation by working to make it a felony to damage or destroy any public or private monument or statue. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)PHOENIX – Republicans in the Arizona Legislature are reacting to last year's wave of damage to Confederate monuments by civil rights protesters here and across the nation by working to make it a felony to damage or destroy any public or private monument or statue. Rep. John Kavanagh supported his proposal at a Senate committee hearing Thursday by saying public monuments are a statement by the community that demand more protection. The proposal adds defacing a monument or statue to existing law that makes it a aggravated felony offense to deface a cemetery headstone or church. Scores of Confederate statues, monuments or markers were removed from public land across the country after Floyd’s death.
Changing name of Robert E. Lee High takes spotlight at community meeting
Read full article: Changing name of Robert E. Lee High takes spotlight at community meetingJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Northside Coalition and other members of the Jacksonville community gathered Monday afternoon ahead of a meeting, rallying for a name change at Robert E. Lee High School. pic.twitter.com/D7DATGJe60 — Brie Isom (@BrieIsomWJXT) March 15, 2021Some of the names suggested during the Monday meeting included Avondale High School or Riverside High School. There’s a group of alumni from Lee High School are pushing to keep the school’s name, saying that Lee High has too much history to be renamed. It’s about Southern pride,” Lee High School alumnus Joey Steves said previously. Jackson High, Ribault High, and Ribault Middle schools were added to the list in early August.
DCPS holds first public meeting on renaming Lee High School
Read full article: DCPS holds first public meeting on renaming Lee High SchoolFour schools had meetings Wednesday, including Lee High School, where demonstrators gathered ahead of the 6 p.m. discussion. “Stop Playing games change the names” is what a group of protesters are chanting outside Lee High School. News4Jax spoke with Mykyla Hooper, who was named Miss Lee High School. AdLeon Barrett, a former coach and player at the high school, says it’s history that shouldn’t be erased. ”The money will drop out from the alumni and I’d hate to see that happen.”Also at the school was the group Save the School Names.
DCPS hears from public about changing schools named after Confederate leaders
Read full article: DCPS hears from public about changing schools named after Confederate leadersJACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Public Schools kicked off its series of community meetings Tuesday concerning the renaming of Jacksonville schools named after Confederate leaders. Stuart Middle School, Stonewall Jackson Elementary, and Kirby Smith Middle School. The process for changing the names is as follows:Schools will invite the community stakeholders who can verify their involvement with the institution. According to the district website, 28 meetings are scheduled for the renaming of the nine schools that bear a Confederate leader’s name. The next public meetings will be held Thursday at Jefferson Davis Middle School.
Confederate statue a step closer to returning to Hemming family
Read full article: Confederate statue a step closer to returning to Hemming familyA statue and plaque that honored fallen Confederate soldiers at a downtown park is one step closer to being returned to the family that originally donated it. The statue once stood in what was long known as Hemming Park, until last year, when it was renamed James Weldon Johnson Park. During Tuesday night’s City Council meting, Elwood Hemming, a descendant of the Hemming family, which donated the statue, appeared via Zoom. He said the family is grateful City Council listened to their plea to have the statue returned. “Hopefully the administration works in good faith and with the Hemming family in getting the statue back to the family,” Dennis said.
Years of white supremacy threats culminated in Capitol riots
Read full article: Years of white supremacy threats culminated in Capitol riotsBoth within and outside the walls of the Capitol, banners and symbols of white supremacy and anti-government extremism were displayed as an insurrectionist mob swarmed the U.S. Capitol. “These displays of white supremacy are not new,” said Lecia Brooks, chief of staff of the Southern Poverty Law Center. While not all the anti-government groups were explicitly white supremacist, Tuchman said many support white supremacist beliefs. “This is their new ‘Lost Cause' and a continuation of the original ‘Lost Cause,'” she said. Brooks said she worries the rampage at the Capitol and proliferation of white supremacist symbols will encourage similar actions at state capitals.
Mississippi governor signs law for flag without rebel emblem
Read full article: Mississippi governor signs law for flag without rebel emblemMembers of the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol Honor Guard prepare to raise the new Mississippi State flag at the Capitol in Jackson, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. Tate Reeves signed a law that created the new state flag with magnolia at the center, six months after the state retired the last state flag in the U.S. that included the Confederate battle emblem. The law retiring the old flag also specified that the commission's proposed new flag would go on the Nov. 3 ballot for a yes-or-no vote. The Ku Klux Klan and other hate groups have waved the Confederate battle flag for decades. A few dozen people demonstrated on the south steps of the Mississippi Capitol in support of reviving the old flag.
Small-town Alabama resident transformed to protest leader
Read full article: Small-town Alabama resident transformed to protest leaderTransformed by leaving the virtually all-white town where she grew up, Dunston has been leading the demonstrations since August. “Everybody’s getting tired,” Marshall County Commission Chairman James Hutcheson said in an interview. Organizing through social media and word of mouth, Dunston decided to take on the Confederate monument. Travis Jackson, a Black Lives Matter activist who lives near Montgomery, said coming to protest in little Albertville is motivating. Counterprotesters are common, including an area Black man who supports the Confederate monument and rebel flag.
House votes to override Trump’s veto of defense bill
Read full article: House votes to override Trump’s veto of defense bill(AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)WASHINGTON – The Democratic-controlled House voted overwhelmingly Monday to override President Donald Trump’s veto of a defense policy bill, setting the stage for what would be the first veto override of his presidency. House members voted 322-87 to override the veto, well above the two-thirds needed to override. Trump rejected the defense bill last week, saying it failed to limit social media companies he claims were biased against him during his failed reelection campaign. The veto override was supported by 212 Democrats, 109 Republicans and an independent. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in a rare break with Trump, had urged passage of the defense bill despite Trump’s veto threat.
Pentagon memo maps out plan to expand diversity in the force
Read full article: Pentagon memo maps out plan to expand diversity in the forceThe Pentagon has endorsed a new slate of initiatives to expand diversity within the ranks and reduce prejudice, including in recruiting, retention and professional development across the force. After extensive wrangling and debate, Esper this summer issued a directive that banned the display of the Confederate flag, without mentioning the word “ban” or that specific flag. Confederate flags, monuments and military base names became a national flashpoint in the weeks after Floyd's death. Ten major Army installations are named for Confederate Army officers, mostly senior generals, including Robert E. Lee. Among the 10 is Fort Benning, the namesake of Confederate Army Gen. Henry L. Benning, who was a leader of Georgia’s secessionist movement and an advocate of preserving slavery.
Florida lawmakers target Confederate holidays
Read full article: Florida lawmakers target Confederate holidaysTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Rep. Mike Grieco, D-Miami Beach, wants lawmakers to eliminate legal holidays honoring the birthdays of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, along with a Confederate Memorial Day. Grieco on Thursday filed a bill (HB 6007) to remove the Lee, Davis and Confederate Memorial days from a list of legal holidays on the books in Florida. Lee’s birthday, Jan. 19, and Confederate Memorial Day, April 26, have been legal holidays in Florida since 1895. Florida is one of five states that continues to keep Confederate Memorial Day a legal holiday, though legal holidays are not necessarily paid holidays for public employees. Other legal holidays that are not paid holidays include Susan B. Anthony’s birthday, Good Friday, Flag Day and Pascua Florida Day to mark the discovery of Florida in 1513 by Juan Ponce de Leon.