ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) — The Charleston massacre led to protests and debates. But after weeks of uproar, the Confederate flag is removed entirely from the South Carolina State House. Now other states are assessing their options, including Maryland.
Rick Ritter with concerns. The Confederate battle flag is down in South Carolina. One delegate has plans to shake things up here in Maryland, going after what some call a controversial state song.
Powerful images–thousands cheer on in South Carolina. The historic Confederate battle flag–now gone. “Best day in South Carolina,” one resident said.
The killing of nine black church members in Charleston last month sparked outrage over the flag, trickling all the way up to Maryland, where Governor Larry Hogan recalled Confederate license plates. “There were license plates being issued by Maryland that had the Confederate flag, and we decided that wasn’t appropriate,” the governor said.
Others–like former NAACP president Dr. Marvin Cheathem–pushing to move Confederate era statues off the streets of Baltimore and into museums. “We should not be celebrating these statues that were in support of slavery,” Dr. Cheatham said.
The controversy extends beyond these statues. Some are now calling for lyrics in the Maryland state song to be changed, saying parts of it are offensive.
Referring to one of the last verses: “She spurns the northern scum.” “When you talk about how you want to degrade other people, the song is full of it,” said Cheatham.
But Governor Hogan wonders when it’s time to draw the line. “Some of this other stuff to me is really going too far,” Gov. Hogan said.
Others feel history is in the making. “Now is the exact time to do it–one, because of what’s happening around the country. Also, what is actually happening in Baltimore,” said Dr. Cheatham. One delegate submitted legislation this week to have Maryland’s song changed. Many are against the idea, saying it’s a waste of time and money.
The mayor has said she will appoint a special commission to look into whether Baltimore’s Confederate monuments should stay or go.
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