On Tuesday, Mississippi state Gov. Tate Reeves signed a bill into law that will change the state flag by removing the Confederate symbol, first included 126 years ago.
The news comes after Mississippi state legislators fast-tracked the measure over the weekend, with both chambers voting to suspend the rules Saturday, allowing for debate and a vote on the bill. It passed Sunday with a House vote of 91-23 that was quickly followed by a 37-14 Senate vote.
Reeves said just prior to signing the bill that he hoped Mississippians would put their divisions behind them to unite for a greater good.
“This is not a political moment to me, but a solemn occasion to lead Mississippi’s family to come together, to be reconciled and move on,” Reeves said.
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Mississippi’s decision to change the flag after more than a century comes during a new reckoning on racial inequality in America after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May 25th.
