Confederate Flags Removed From Alabama Capitol
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Alabama once flew four different confederate flags on the capitol grounds, including the controversial battle flag.
But early Wednesday morning they were taken down by order of Governor Robert Bentley.
“It has become a distraction all over the country right now. Off and on it’s always been a distraction. The confederate flag was removed from the capitol dome around 1992, 1993. Had I been governor then I would have done the same thing then,” said Governor Bentley.
Mike Williams with the Sons of Confederate Veterans came out first thing in the morning with his own flag.
He says he’s disappointed in the governor’s decision and wants the flags put back up.
“If you don’t change people’s hearts, changing flags won’t make a hill of beans difference. You have to change hearts first. Removing people’s heritage won’t change people’s hearts except in the opposite direction,” said Williams.
Williams walked around the monument displaying his confederate colors most of the morning.
Several young activists, including someone from State Representative Alvin Holmes office, came to show their support for the governor’s decision.
In a moment of unity, they invited Williams to join them to show they respect his view, even if they disagree.
“You have others out there that don’t believe that it’s just for history and heritage. They use it for their ammunition to go out there and kill and harm minorities here in the country,” said Jamel Brown.
