For the past few years there has been a float participating in the Bayfield Town 4th of July parade that waves the Confederate flag. 

There has been a history of racism in Bayfield; the Ku Klux Klan was a prominent group in Bayfield during the 1920s. The Bayfield chapter focused on targeting not only on African Americans, but also those of differing religions, races, and heritages. The group fed on fear and was a threat to many people in the area. Confederate flags are a symbol of the ideals the Ku Klux Klan and current White Supremacist groups have. Source

There have been protests and riots throughout the United States in the past weeks regarding the oppression of the Black community in response to the murder of George Floyd. There has been overwhelming support throughout our community, nation, and the world.

By not making the decision to ban these types of floats in the parade, the Bayfield Town Board has made the tacit decision to support racism, bigotry, and hatred.

Request

A float should not be allowed to participate in the Bayfield Town 4th of July parade if the message behind the float incites violent ideals, bigotry, racism, or hatred. 

The only guidelines for a float to enter into the parade is “All entries must be in ‘good taste’ and suitable for a family event.” Float Requirements

With little to no information on what ‘good taste’ is, it is difficult to hold floats accountable for messages that are being conveyed.

The 4th of July is a family event that unites the community. It should not be a stage available to those who want to portray messages of violent ideals, bigotry, racism, or hatred.

If the members of the Bayfield Town Board do not take a stance, they are complicit in spreading the messages of violent ideals, bigotry, racism, and hatred.

Many community members will not partake in the parade and events during the 4th of July celebration if the Confederate flag and other symbols of these messages are allowed to be paraded.

Call To Action

Show that Bayfield Town Board is committed to creating a progressive community that unites instead of divides.

1. Require stricter guidelines for floats regarding the content of what is being displayed. Guidelines should involve that a float will not be allowed to participate in the Bayfield Town 4th of July parade if the message behind the float incites violent ideals, bigotry, racism, or hatred. 

2. The parade should be sponsored by a private party so the guidelines can be set and followed.