Mississippi Edition

The Mississippi flag is officially retired as Governor Tate Reeves signs the historic bill.

Then, Lt, Governor Delbert Hosemann reflects on the role legislative leadership played in ushering in a moment of change.

Plus, after a Southern Remedy Health Minute, COVID-19 and recent episodes of police violence have revealed systemic disparities for black communities. Part Two of our conversation with NAACP President Derick Johnson.

Segment 1:

Mississippi's state flag, adopted in 1894 and emblazoned with the confederate battle emblem, is officially retired. Governor Tate Reeves signed House Bill 1796 last night, which removes the current state flag and establishes a commission to design and present a new flag.

Mississippi has faced increasing pressure in recent weeks to change its flag as national protests against racial injustice have focused attention on Confederate symbols. By a bipartisan vote on Sunday, lawmakers passed legislation to change the flag. Early in his address, Reeves emphasized the need for unity and a vision forward. He also spoke to those concerned that changing the flag would led to stronger scrutiny of confederate monuments and statues.

During his nearly nine minute speech, Reeves never directly addressed the history of violence and racist oppression associated with Confederate battle flag - this despite impassioned speeches from both chambers over the weekend reflecting on the image's history of such. Reeves, who campaigned on the promise of giving voters the decision to change that flag, did, however, explain why he changed his mind regarding issue.

Segment 2:

In a three-week span, the issue of Mississippi's state flag went from non-starter to national spotlight. In the days following the largest protest to descend upon the capital city since the Civil Rights Movement, momentum for lawmakers to take action on the flag swelled so much that when he rapped the gavel to adjourn on Sunday, the emotion of the moment seeped from Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann. He shares more about that moment and the build-up to it with our Michael Guidry. 

Segment 3:

Southern Remedy Health Minute

Segment 4:

The COVID-19 pandemic is hitting communities of color disproportionately hard, amplifying cracks in a health care system that leaves many uninsured or under-insured. It has also brought economic hardship on small businesses and rural communities. In Part Two of his conversation with MPB's Desare Frazier, NAACP President and CEO Derick Johnson discusses some of the systemic issues challenging black communities.