(WLBT) - The Hospitality Flag is no longer one of the options to become the next flag of Mississippi. “The Magnolia is the state flower of Mississippi and is a symbol that has long represented our state and the hospitality of our citizens, and also represents our state’s sense of hope and rebirth as the Magnolia often blooms more than once and has a long blooming season. Stennis, who died in 1995, was a staunch segregationist during a long career in Washington, though later in life he voted to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act. Its creator, Lauren Stennis, created the flag several years ago as an alternative to the old Mississippi flag that contained the Confederate battle emblem. Josh Carter is a Digital Content Producer at WLBT and Fox40 News in Jackson, MS, 715 South Jefferson StreetJackson, MS 39201(601)948-3333. Initiative Measure No. JACKSON, Miss. Copyright 2020 WLBT. The Bicentennial Flag was created by the Mississippi Economic Council in 2017 for the 200 year birthday of the state. Stennis is the granddaughter of former U.S. Sen. John C. Stennis. JACKSON, Miss. MEC has repeatedly said the flag with the star-and-bars was a hindrance to bringing industry and jobs to the state. As debate about Mississippi's state flag rages on, many residents have adopted the Stennis flag as their personal state flag. The fight to change the flag has drawn ire in the state from staunch opponents who point to the 2001 state election where 65% of voters elected to keep the current flag. Stennis Flag now Hospitality Flag after creator steps down (Source: Twitter) ... (WLBT) - A local artist announced she is stepping away from the push for a new Mississippi state flag alternative. So, it could be some time before a new Mississippi flag is chosen. The Mississippi Legislature has a chance this week to make a change to the state flag before they leave Jackson, however, Speaker of the House Philip Gunn told us on Friday that the chances of the legislature voting to remove the current state flag … A nine-member commission will be created to design a proposal for a new flag that will be voted upon by Mississippians in November. Contact Sarah Fowler at 601-961-7303 or sfowler@gannett.com. Greater Jackson is the state's most populous metropolitan area, with an estimated population of 580,166 in 2018. While lawmakers in both chambers — including some top Republicans — support changing the flag, a Senate Concurrent Resolution that would allow lawmakers to take a vote on the flag appears to have stalled. “The hospitality here knows no bounds. (AP) — Mississippi officially has a new state flag, featuring a magnolia and the phrase, “In God We Trust.” Republican Gov. The calm, slow pace, the amazing food, the beautiful landscape, the diversity and the amazingly talented people are all things that make me proud to call Mississippi home,” the 31-year-old Jackson resident told CNN. Last year, Reeves signed House Bill 1796,retiring Mississippi’s former flag, which had been the state’s flag since 1894. Inspired designs on t-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more by independent artists and designers from around the world. For years, the state flag has drawn national negative attention. A Gray Media Group, Inc. Station - © 2002-2021 Gray Television, Inc. A man reportedly was killed in a deputy-involved shooting that happened at the Harrison County Courthouse in Biloxi. The Hospitality Flag’s social media pages have now been deleted. Mississippi is known as the "Hospitality State." Of the 147 flags that made it to the second round of the flag selection Monday morning, the Hospitality Flag was nowhere to be seen. Rogelio V. Solis/Associated … The new Mississippi state flag flies under the eagle at the top of the Capitol rotunda following the ceremonial unfurling in Jackson, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. House Minority Leader Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, has previously said the flag designed by Laurin Stennis should be adopted by the Legislature, though it would be referred to as simply the Mississippi flag. The flag was ratified by the Mississippi Legislature within the first two days of the 2021 session. JACKSON, Miss. The winning flag will then go on ballots in November. Wednesday afternoon, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History officially retired the flag that has flown above the state since 1894. It appears on front porches, bumper stickers and is even an option on Mississippi's license plates. In a step further, the NCAA said as long as the flag with the Confederate emblem flies, Mississippi will not be eligible to host any postseason event. The name of the Stennis Flag has been changed to the Hospitality Flag. Its creator, Lauren Stennis, created the flag several years ago as an alternative to the old Mississippi flag that contained the Confederate battle emblem. A Hospitality flag, formerly known as the Stennis flag, flies beneath the American flag in Jackson, Miss., on Thursday. All rights reserved. ... representing state hospitality, hope and rebirth. (AP) — Mississippi governor signs law giving the state a new flag without the Confederate battle emblem. On Tuesday, Governor Tate Reeves signed a … JACKSON, Miss.—Mississippi Gov. Subscribe to the digital Clarion Ledger. Laurin Stennis, who first created the flag alternative six years ago, announced on social media Sunday that she is stepping away from being the name behind the flag, writing, "In a continued effort to be of service, I will be stepping away from this endeavor as I understand the hurt and potential harm my last name may cause.". Mississippi's western boundary is largely defined by the Mississippi River. All rights reserved. 72 proposes to amend the Mississippi Constitution to change the current Mississippi flag from the 1894 Flag to the Mississippi Hospitality Flag. Mississippi is known as the "Hospitality State." The flag has 19 blue stars in the center on a white background, circling a larger blue star, representing Mississippi as the 20th state. The undated note addressed to “Dear friends” was posted Sunday evening on the Mississippi Flag Facebook page. The name has now been changed to the "Hospitality Flag." The group has already proposed a flag … (WLBT) - The Hospitality Flag is no longer one of the options to become the next flag of Mississippi. (WJTV) – The creator of the Hospitality Flag, formerly known as the Stennis Flag, revealed a new design of the flag on Wednesday. The Mississippi Legislature is still in session and could vote to change the flag, but doing so would require a suspension of the rules. © 2021 www.clarionledger.com. The confederate symbol is today more globally recognized as a symbol of racist ideology than it is of the state of Mississippi. LOOK TO OUR FUTURE. The Hospitality Flag was designed in consultation with world-renowned vexillologist Ted Kaye, author of Good Flag, Bad Flag, on her design. Of the 147 flags that made it to the second round of the flag … But the creator of the flag has asked that it be renamed, noting the attachment of her last name could evoke pain and discomfort. High quality Mississippi Flag gifts and merchandise. (WLBT) - The group Hospitality Flag for Mississippi is advocating for a state flag design that does not include words or seals. Replacing the former flag is the “In God We Trust” flag which was selected by a Commission and voted on by the public in the November 2020 election. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. ... which some supporters are calling the Hospitality Flag. If approved by a majority vote, it will become the official state flag. However, out of the nearly 3,000 original submissions, this flag which features a large mosquito with a very similar design as the Hospitality Flag has made it to the next round. The flag has 19 blue stars in the center on a white background, circling a larger blue star. Sports world reacts:Conference USA joins NCAA, SEC in banning postseason events until MS flag is changed, 'It is time':Interfaith clergy call for the immediate removal of Mississippi's flag. Today the state of Mississippi officially flew a new flag for the first time since 1861. ... signifying state hospitality… The Stennis Hospitality Flag was proposed in 2014. Do you want to stay informed on more topics like this one? JACKSON, Miss. Mississippi is the 32nd largest and 34th-most populous of the 50 U.S. states. The flag has 19 blue stars in the center on a white background, circling a larger blue star, representing Mississippi as the 20th state. August 10, 2020 at 3:27 PM CDT - Updated August 11 at 9:04 AM, Request a First Alert Weather School Visit, Mississippi Strong T-Shirt Covid-19 Relief Fundraiser, One treated for smoke inhalation after trailer fire in Richland, Victim in fatal officer-involved shooting at Biloxi courthouse identified, IRS: File your taxes online for free, now. JACKSON, Miss. Most recently, the SEC said championships will not be played in Mississippi until the flag is changed. Red vertical bars are on either side of the stars. Stennis previously told the Clarion Ledger the bars represent Mississippians' “passionate differences” on the flag issue. However, current Mississippi residents 35 and younger weren't eligible to vote in 2001. This initiative requires that the Mississippi Hospitality Flag be flown at all State supported … Conference USA joins NCAA, SEC in banning postseason events until MS flag is changed, Interfaith clergy call for the immediate removal of Mississippi's flag, Stennis previously told the Clarion Ledger, championships will not be played in Mississippi, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. If not, the process will begin again for a vote next November. The Hospitality Flag, formerly known as the Stennis Flag, was one of the early favorites to replace the Mississippi flag. They will select the final flag to submit to the governor and Legislature on September 2. JACKSON, Miss. The flag was created several years ago as an alternative to the current Mississippi flag that contains a Confederate battle emblem. The Hospitality Flag’s social media pages have now been deleted. The flag, which features a large blue star encircled by 19 smaller stars on a white field, flanked by red bands, has now been renamed the “Hospitality Flag,” according to the flag’s website. Jackson is both the state's capital and largest city. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter. At the signing of HB 1796 last year, Reeves said that he understood the need “to commit the 1894 flag to history, and find a banner that is a better emblem for all Mississippi. — Hospitality Flag (@HospitalityFlag) July 1, 2020. JACKSON • Mississippi’s new magnolia-themed flag design is a step away from state law. The commission will meet again August 14, August 25 and September 2. Tate Reeves on Monday signed a bill that gives the state a new flag that has a magnolia and that no longer carries the … The Hospitality Flag, formerly known as the Stennis Flag, was one of the early favorites to replace the Mississippi flag. 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