On Saturday, June 25, 2022, Luling held its 69th annual Watermelon Thump Parade, a long-standing and beloved tradition for a small Texas town of nearly 6000 residents. Unfortunately, one of the floats that was allowed to join the parade this year was the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a nonprofit group that supports the “Lost Cause of the Confederacy” and has been associated with white supremacy ideology. It is not acceptable to provide a platform for those who create social injustices, promote racial division, and attempt to revise history to fit their misguided narrative. The Watermelon Thump Association of Luling, Texas must not allow hate groups to be part of a family-friendly event, much less invite them into our town. The citizens of Luling will not be silent and allow racism to have a voice in our community.