Since the summer of last year the struggles of people of color in the United States of America have finally been pushed to the forefront of our media. This has made many of us question our own beliefs and prejudices, and has started some real change in our country. I’m making this petition because I want to keep that change moving forward, not forgetting where we came from but recognizing that it doesn’t reflect where we are. 

In the Old Burial Ground in Southborough, Massachusetts a flag is displayed that has become strongly associated with groups who promote white supremacy and racism. The Gadsden Flag is recognized by the “Don’t Tread on Me” phrase under a coiled rattlesnake. While it started as a symbol of the American Revolution, it has evolved to become a symbol of hatred towards people of color, especially African Americans. The flag was also created by a man from South Carolina named Christopher Gadsden. Gadsden was a slave owner and trader who’s trading site, Gadsden’s Wharf, saw as much as 40% of slaves pass through it. Nowadays, the flag is displayed at radical rallies, and most notably flown prominently in the takeover of the Capitol Building by extremists on January 6th alongside those of the Proud Boys, a well known neo-fascist organization.

Displaying a flag now closely associated with white supremacy suggests that this town is alright with white supremacy and hatred towards people of color, and even sees it as something to be brandished with pride. We can honor our veterans without flying what is now a symbol of hate. I urge you to sign this petition and call on Southborough to make ending racism a priority in our town.

Sources:

https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article94090357.html ​

https://theconversation.com/yellow-gadsden-flag-prominent-in-capitol-takeover-carries-a-long-and-shifting-history-145142​ 

https://thewire.in/world/us-capitol-storming-flag-india-militia-groups-nationalism