The Arkansas Flag has more in common with the Battle Flags of the Confederacy than with the state itself.

Arkansans and travelers alike certainly recognize the stark resemblance between the two flags. The star filled saltire of the battle flag is simply inverted into a diamond with the white outlines exchanged for a white field in the center. The highest star in the field directly represents the Confederacy itself.

As a former slave owning state, it is imperative that we sympathize with our country's black population and create a culture where all are welcome. It is disturbingly apparent that there are many people who support Arkansas' position in aiding the Lost Cause and sustaining racism. We can not encourage that behavior by flying this banner on our governmental buildings.

The Natural State has a lot more to offer its people than Confederate pride. We have a rich history of indigenous peoples who were also so wrongly treated. To give a nod to white supremacy and a war that only lasted a few years is a huge disgrace to those that have nurtured these lands. Arkansas is home to 52 state parks, three national forests, five national parks and many lakes that bring in people from everywhere in the nation. The symbol of our state should embrace that beauty and entice a person of any color to be a part of our community.

As a home to a few of the largest companies in the United States, we have a duty to set an example of inclusivity. This duty has for so long been unfulfilled perpetuating the idea that Arkansas is a backwoods, racist state clinging to old ideals. The message we should be upholding is that Arkansas is a home to agriculture, business, and beautiful natural recreation.

About the current flag:

The Arkansas state flag was designed by Willie K. Hocker, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Colonial Dames Society. She was one of only two women to have designed a state flag. The flag was presented to the battleship USS Arkansas. The 25 white stars represent Arkansas being the 25th state to join the Union. The diamond signifies Arkansas being the only place in the country where diamonds are mined. The three stars below the word Arkansas represent the three countries that have flown flags on Arkansas soil. The star above Arkansas represents the Confederate states.

The emphasis of the star has created some turmoil in that it could possibly symbolize the Confederacy having more importance than the United States. Representative Charles Blake pushed to change the meaning of the star to symbolize the Native American tribes that lived here for centuries. The change failed as did some attempts to remove celebration of General Lee on Martin Luther King day. Governor Asa Hutchinson signed the law in 2017 that removed Lee from MLK day but the star remains unchanged.

About the Confederate flag:

The original "Star and Bars" flag lasted for only two years. Due to the fact that it was seen as too similar to the Union, a separate battle flag was created that resembled the South Carolina Sovereignty flag but instead featured a sideways cross which became the staple of the Confederacy. There were several different battle flags but each one looked quite similar. The next two versions of the official flag of the Confederate states featured the battle flag in the upper left corner. Due to confusion and dissent with the flags, the Confederate Battle Flag became the main symbol of the Confederacy and remains so.

Considerations for a new flag:

A new design should avoid placing blue bars upon a red background. We should avoid mimicking any of the flags associated with the Confederate States. 

The design should not have any symbols that reference the Confederacy. Doing so, is completely insensitive.

The design should focus on reinforcing the state as a natural recreation destination. Any symbols should be about the forests, lakes, parks, wildlife, or agriculture.

If we are going to use a diamond, we should consider using a gem shaped diamond over a simple rhombus.

Changing the color scheme entirely could allow a small conservative change to the flag that allows the rhombus to stay unaltered. This still leaves the stars to be addressed and they must be handled sensitively.

While a simple change may be preferred, it is important to consider that a complete overhaul might have some benefits. A fresh new design that better utilizes modern technology could help uplift the image of Arkansas. This could help to undo the backwater image as the state continues to grow and modernize. 

"My town has flown the Arkansas State Flag next to the Confederate Battle Flag over a lynching site for many years. I find that to be deeply saddening and humiliating." - Anonymous Arkansan

Although changing a state flag is a huge obstacle, I think it's important to have a flag that makes every citizen proud and entices visitors to come and support our economy.