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More than flag at stake, young protester insists
By John Porretto
AP Business Writer
Where past generations held some of the Deep South's first civil rights protests, 21-year-old Jason Whitfield is taking a peaceful stand against what he views as an emblem of hatred.
The setting: the white-sand beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where blacks and whites often mingle to sunbathe, hold family reunions and take their chances at gambling houses.
The symbol: the Confederate battle flag, which continues to cause bitter scissions between those who see it as a reminder of Southern heritage and those, like Whitfield, who consider it racist and divisive.
Whitfield, a senior at traditionally black Alcorn State University in Lorman, is holding a sit-in at a public display on the beach where the Rebel flag flies. Tuesday marked his 21st straight day.
The only time he has left is for an occasional shower at his parents' home in Gulfport. He's vowed to remain until the flag comes down.
"I've learned more in three weeks than I've learned in the entire 21 years of my life," Whitfield said Monday, sitting barefoot under a canopy in the 90-degree heat. "This is about more than a flag. It's about spirituality. It's about fearing God. I'm willing to stay here as long as it takes."
More than flag at stake, young protester insists
By John Porretto
AP Business Writer
Where past generations held some of the Deep South's first civil rights protests, 21-year-old Jason Whitfield is taking a peaceful stand against what he views as an emblem of hatred.
The setting: the white-sand beaches of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where blacks and whites often mingle to sunbathe, hold family reunions and take their chances at gambling houses.
The symbol: the Confederate battle flag, which continues to cause bitter scissions between those who see it as a reminder of Southern heritage and those, like Whitfield, who consider it racist and divisive.
Whitfield, a senior at traditionally black Alcorn State University in Lorman, is holding a sit-in at a public display on the beach where the Rebel flag flies. Tuesday marked his 21st straight day.
The only time he has left is for an occasional shower at his parents' home in Gulfport. He's vowed to remain until the flag comes down.
"I've learned more in three weeks than I've learned in the entire 21 years of my life," Whitfield said Monday, sitting barefoot under a canopy in the 90-degree heat. "This is about more than a flag. It's about spirituality. It's about fearing God. I'm willing to stay here as long as it takes."
