The Southside School District of Southside, Arkansas has long has used the same mascot figure of the “Southern Colonel man.” We believe the use of this mascot has racial undertones that has bred and will continue to breed racism in future generations. Numerous alumni believe that the name of the mascot and/or the use of the racially motivated white southern man should be removed from the logos of the school, sports team uniform, and memorabilia in order to promote racial equality. 

The mission of Southside Schools states: “At Southside Schools, every student has a Future Story. As that story evolves, teachers and administration at Southside lay the foundation to make each student’s future story a reality. Let your student’s Future Story begin at Southside Schools.” The future needs to be opened to students not under the mask of racial bias under the mascots name and the thought that Southside is a “white school” (90.1% of the student population identifies as white). We need to be seen as a school that does not promote racism in our community in our name, but instead as a school looking to lay the foundation for students and show them the reality that all men and women are created equal no matter the color of their skin.  We need change and this is one thing that a small community can do to fight systemic racism in the reality of our current and future generations.