State flag protesters at Jones Park

Dozens in support of changing the design of the state flag joined forces Saturday evening in Gulfport.
Members of the Mississippi Rising Coalition gathered at Jones Park to chant for change. The goal was to have their voices heard by people attending the Southern Legislative Conference reception at the Barksdale Pavilion. The five day conference features discussion on regional and national policies.
However, members of the Mississippi Black Caucus boycotted the event over the flag issue. President of the Jackson County NAACP Curley Clark said, “It was just a real great event for us, re-affirming our commitment to being vigilant to make sure that the legislature know that they need to do their job and change the state flag. I think that we got our message out. I think that there was a lot of energy and hopefully it’s gonna make an impact on their ability to do the right thing and that is to change the state flag.”
Protesters tell News 25 they believe the demonstration was a success and will continue to find ways to encourage change.