OCTOBER 16, 2024 — Montgomery, Alabama is to study changing its city flag, following a proposal by a local high school student, 1819 News reported.
At the October 15th Montgomery City Council work session, Booker T. Washington High School senior Jeremiah Treece urged the council to consider changing the city’s flag, citing concerns over its Confederate symbolism.
The current flag, designed in 1952 by World War II veteran Robert S. Ryan, was the result of a contest held by the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce. Its diagonal blue stripe resembles the Confederate battle flag, and the 11 stars mirror the number of Confederate states. Additionally, the grey on the flag is seen as a nod to Confederate soldiers’ uniforms, according to WSFA12.
In his address, Treece highlighted how the flag evokes a painful and divisive history for many residents. “This is not the image Montgomery should project today… That flag serves as a constant reminder, not just of division, but of a time when people like me simply weren’t wanted here.”
He suggested that a flag design contest be held among Montgomery’s public high school students, offering them a chance to create a more inclusive representation of the city.
Councilman Oronde Mitchell proposed the issue be referred to the governmental affairs committee, where it can be developed into a formal proposal for a future council vote.
Image: Public Domain