If you were born and raised in Spartanburg, SC like me you most likely are proud of our city and it’s growth. Spartanburg is home to a multitude of diverse walks of life and is rapidly growing with many exciting new developments and plans. Unfortunately certain groups are trying to take our city back into a state of regression instead of progression. If you have driven alongside Interstate I-85 recently across from exit 77 you have most likely noticed the eye sore of the 120 ft flagpole installed by the Sons of Confederacy toting a 30 by 50 ft Confederate flag. The city ordered them to take it down as it violated a city ordinance and that they were to obtain proper permits. It was taken down temporarily and replaced with the state flag until they obtained said permits. It now flies over our city permanently and stains our city’s reputation. Over 80,000 vehicles pass by that flag daily. That’s over HALF A MILLION vehicles weekly. It sends an inaccurate representation of our city and will not only hemorrhage our economy and local businesses but it sends an unwelcoming message to any visitors and will deter them from ever wanting to tour or visit our beautiful city. This symbol represents a divided America that supports the ideology of oppression and many ancestral wounds. It represents a dark part of our history that is not to be forgotten but should not be celebrated or put on display over our beautiful city. Our city should represent love and unity not a symbol of rebellion and oppression. Please take the time out of your day to sign this petition to gain attention of our elected officials and local businesses and LET'S TAKE ACTION! I want to be proud to raise my children in this beautiful city I call home, not to expose them to a city that turns a blind eye to symbols of racial injustice.