After collecting over 1,300 signatures on an online petition, a Montgomery high school student asked the city council to approve changing the Montgomery City flag, which he claims harkens to the Confederacy.
Jeremiah Treece, a 17-year-old student at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School, started the petition in August, asking for support in his campaign to change the city's flag. The Montgomery City Council voted to place the recommendation in a committee but generally seemed supportive of Treece's efforts.
The flag was approved in April 1952. In his petition, Treece describes the flag virtually identically to The North American Vexillological Association, except for a few misspellings.
The North American Vexillological Association describes the flag's symbolism as follows:
"Gray, from the color of the uniforms of the soldiers of the Confederate States of America, represents the Confederacy. Red, the color of the saltire on the state's flag, symbolizes Alabama. Blue denotes the 'blue and gray' unity of today (the uniforms of the Union soldiers during the Civil War were blue). The seven white stars symbolize the seven original states of the Confederacy, 'brought together in the center wreathed in glory and honor', according to the city's chamber of commerce."
Treese appeared before the city council Tuesday evening, saying he was the "future of the city of Montgomery."
"The current flag was adopted in 1952, in the era of Jim Crow segregation," Treece said. "Even though this was 87 years after the Civil War, many believed it was the perfect time to interject the history of the Confederacy. The Confederacy was a group of pro-slavery states that upheld beliefs contrary to the idea that all men weren't created equal. This flag representing the city of Montgomery was adopted to maintain those divisive beliefs."
He continued, "As our cities move forward, we must recognize that this is not the image Montgomery wants to portray today. The current flag symbolizes a divisive history and is culturally insensitive to many citizens. As a student who has lived here and sat in those very seats, looking at that flag serves as a constant reminder, not just of division, but of a time when people like me simply weren't wanted here. I urge you today to listen to not just the citizens but especially the youth, the future of this beautiful city."
Councilwoman Marche Johnson asked Treece how he would like to see the flag changed. He suggested a competition for Montgomery public high school students to design a potential replacement flag.
Councilman Oronde Mitchell quickly motioned to move Treece's suggestion to the governmental affairs committee, where it can craft an official proposal for the council to vote on at a later date.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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