Forrest County is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. This county is named after Nathan Bedford Forrest who was a Confederate general but more disturbingly, he was the Klu Klux Klan’s first leader, gaining the title of Grand Wizard. Although some racists may see him as an excellent leader and military strategist, Forrest was a cotton plantation owner, a slave trader, and a mass murderer. For these reasons and more, the name of Forrest County should be changed!

The people of Hattiesburg and surrounding areas are deeply disturbed by the constant reminder that this county has been named after a man who clearly did not see the value in the lives of African Americans. The racist legacy of Nathan Bedford Forrest should not be upheld by the city of Hattiesburg. 

Many other cities have successfully removed monuments and changed school names. We should move forward in doing the same! The people of Hattiesburg do not embody the same morals or ideals that Nathan Bedford Forrest stood for. Furthermore, we should have a name that best represents the diversity and inclusivity of our citizens.