Prayer vigil to keep state flag off city property

The state flag continues to be an issue of contention with opposing views locally and statewide. Earlier today, a group gathered at Biloxi City Hall, praying for the flag to be permanently removed while just across the street a group with an opposing viewpoint rallied for their cause.
The Mississippi state flag is the only state flag in the United States that still contains the Confederate battle emblem. Controversial, causing a wave of painful memories for a number of state citizens, including those gathered on the steps of Biloxi City Hall at noon on Monday. Pastor Rick August with Greater Grace Apostolic Assembly said, “Lynchings, murder, mayhem, total disregard for humanity. I understand when other people see it they see pride.”
Across the street, a handful of state flag supporters exercised their rights. Like the road that separates these two groups, opinions remain divided on the issue. State flag supporter Carol said, “A lot of people fought under this battle flag. There’s a lot of history under that battle flag.”
It doesn’t appear to be solely a racial issue, evidenced by people from all walks of life on the steps of City Hall, holding hands and praying Biloxi officials will stand firm on Mayor Gilich’s recent decision to replace the state flag with the United States flag at all city facilities. Bishop James Black with Faith Tabernacle of Praise said, “This wasn’t just for black folks. He did it for the City of Biloxi, for the Gulf Coast, for the state of Mississippi, for mankind. We happened to be embraced by it.”
Biloxi activist Karlyn Stephens said, “It’s way past time for this issue to be settled and for integration to be peaceful, and to be loving, and productive.”
For some, it was less about what the flag symbolizes and more about the actions of Mayor FoFo Gilich on Confederate Memorial Day. Gulfport resident Deborah Simpson said, “That should concern every single citizen, that an elective representative oversteps their authority. The flag needs to go back up.”
“The flag needs to stay down. It is a new beginning for Mississippi. Mayor FoFo Gilich stood up when no one else would stand up and we are very, very proud of our mayor,” said Bishop Black.