Wake up Mississippi, it's time for a change

When will it stop? Until the people of Mississippi stand up, it won't. The state has come so far to let something so insignificant continue on. This generation must take a stand and purge this state of something that has tainted its beauty for far too long.

It is time to remove the negative facit of our state and change our state flag.

It is beyond debate at this point. How can you support this? How can you support a symbol that is hoisted above by such groups that spew hate? How can you grow complete as a state? You simply cannot.

For those that say it is heritage, just stop. When Ole Miss and Mississippi State mounted victories in the early to mid 1960's with a roster full of white athletes, it was accepted. That does not make it right. Thankfully we, as a society, have moved past the atrocities and saw the mistakes and righted the wrongs. Most of them. 

Perception is reality. That is the world we live in. Frankly, I'm tired of losing athletic events that would be hosted in the state because of the flag. I'm tired of America looking down their nose because they believe we have only dirt roads, no air conditioning and wave that flag.

Will those stereotypes and ignorant comparisons and descriptions stop if the change is made? Not necessarily but it will be another step in the right direction. A very important fact here is this is not just an Ole Miss issue. This goes far beyond Oxford and to different universities and colleges throughout Mississippi. 

Mississippi has grown more as a state than any in America, a fact that I will gladly argue with a citizen that does not live here. Mississippi has some of the greatest people on earth, people with love, compassion, desire and respect. People that understand that God loves all people, regardless of gender or color. Mississippians are a resilient people that take the stereotypes with a grain of salt and move on. 

When Dr. King asked for equal and civil rights years ago, a minute portion of society turned their backs on him. Thankfully, the majority didn't and history was made. 

I love Mississippi. I have lived here for most of my life. I have seen this state grow more in repairing its image than any in the United States. We have become a tourist destination. So many come to our state to understand where the blues began, to see the birthplace of Elvis Presley, to enjoy the Mississippi Delta and all she has to offer and to enjoy the cuisine that we have all grown to love. 

Since the 1960's, we have seen leadership in the Mississippi house and senate with seats occupied by minorities. Local minority artists and musicians have been honored for their craft, with a number of those unfortunately coming posthumously. 

With the election fast approaching, it is a shame an addendum is not on the ballot. We can only hope that we will all be able to see this rectified.

It is up to you. The generations that are going to make decisions are the fabric of our state. The battle flag of the civil war was rightfully abolished from the University of Mississippi in every facet. It is time to say goodbye to the State Of Mississippi flag and it should happen sooner rather than later.

It is not 1962 any longer. It's time to act like it.

Brad Logan is a regular contributor to Mississippi Sports Magazine. He is a native of Bruce, MS and currently resides in Mississippi. You can reach him by following him on Twitter: @BradLoganCA