City of Gulfport votes to remove state flag from city buildings

A new flag now flies over city buildings after the Gulfport City Council voted unanimously today to remove the Mississippi state flag from city offices.

Following a landmark vote from the Gulfport City Council, the Magnolia flag now flies at Gulfport City Hall. After public debate, all seven members of the Gulfport City Council joined together to approve a resolution proposed by Councilmember Truck Casey urging the state legislature to adopt a new state flag while removing the current state flag from all city offices. “I pray that it all works out and that from today forward. We all work together to make Gulfport and Mississippi a better place to live.”

Residents of the state’s second largest city had varied opinions on the outcome. Jeffrey Hulum III supports the city’s resolution. He said, “Gulfport just took a step out on faith and say we don’t worry about the people to the left or to our right, to the north or to the south, we’re going to be the change agent for the state of Mississippi.”

Wallace Mason is against the city’s resolution. He said, “The flag is not about racism. It’s a flag. It represents Mississippi. It has since 1894. In this day and time, politicians are taking the vote away from the people.”

Members of the council say this vote is about maintaining unity and a welcoming atmosphere as a city. Gulfport City Councilmember Ron Roland said, “We have decided that if we want to move forward as a city, and want to welcome all people to come to this city, whether it be to visit, to live, to retire here, all people who come to this city, that this flag that we have should represent us all.”

With the city’s decision, supporters and opponents of the current state flag believe there’s still more work to be done. “I’m going to advocate for the flag. I’m going to advocate for the monument that they’re already talking about taking down at the Harrison County Courthouse,” said Mason.

Hulum said, “Anything that’s symbolic or symbolism to racism, suppression, or aggression is going to be removed so everyone can feel welcome.”