Confederate Flag Takedown Activist, Bree Newsome, Speaks Out

It was about more than just the flag.

Jun 30, 2015
Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original

Activist Bree Newsome, the woman who bravely took down the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Statehouse over the weekend, released a statement regarding the event which she calls an act of “civil disobedience,” as well as her feelings about the Charleston massacre in addition to detailing her activist history with other headline making racially fueled events like Ferguson and Trayvon Martin.

Newsome released a statement via Blue Nation Review. She explained the collective decision to remove the flag because of the “hatred” it represented.

“We made this decision because for us, this is not simply about a flag, but rather it is about abolishing the spirit of hatred and oppression in all its forms.”

She elaborated on the systems of oppression in place by saying, 

“For far too long, white supremacy has dominated the politics of America resulting in the creation of racist laws and cultural practices designed to subjugate non-whites. And the emblem of the confederacy, the stars and bars, in all its manifestations, has long been the most recognizable banner of this political ideology. It’s the banner of racial intimidation and fear whose popularity experiences an uptick whenever black Americans appear to be making gains economically and politically in this country.”

Newsome reiterated that it was about more than just the flag—it was about the culture.  

“It is important to remember that our struggle doesn’t end when the flag comes down. The Confederacy is a southern thing, but white supremacy is not. Our generation has taken up the banner to fight battles many thought were won long ago. We must fight with all vigor now so that our grandchildren aren’t still fighting these battles in another 50 years. Black Lives Matter. This is non-negotiable.”

The flag's removal sparked hashtags calling for the flag to stay down "#keepitdown" and for Bree's release after she was arrested "#FreeBree." You can should read Newsome's full statement here.

[via Mashable​]

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