This past Saturday, Franklin county held a peaceful protest that involved our diverse community coming together for one cause. It gave me hope for the present and our future. After seeing what coming together can do for our community, I’m here to propose a much-needed change from my community. For generations, there has been a reoccurring issue for Franklin County High School, the school mascot. A mascot by definition is any person, animal or object thought to bring luck, or anything used to represent a group with a common public identity, such as a school, etc. Our mascot is a Confederate soldier, the Rebel. For years FC used the Confederate flag, Confederate colors, and a Confederate soldier for the high school mascot. We are not far removed from playing the "Dixie" song at every touchdown. It has been insulting. FCHS has a diverse student population. As the only high school in our town, it’s well overdue to have a mascot that is respectful and can be displayed proudly by ALL individuals. The rebel man is a symbol of oppression and the Confederate flag is a prominent symbol within the KKK. That's unacceptable. These symbols do not represent southern heritage; they represent hate. Too many generations have fought for change and it fell onto deaf ears. I am asking that in this present time when black lives have to be included so all lives can matter we start with ourselves and bring a much-needed change to heal & unite FC.