Statement on the Removal of the Confederate Flag 

by Kerri Forrest, Board President, YWCA of Greater Charleston

“The YWCA of Greater Charleston thanks Governor Haley and the South Carolina General Assembly for taking swift action to remove the Confederate Flag from statehouse grounds. This action shows that our representatives understand now, through the expressions of our corporate, civic and clergy communities, that this is the New South, one of diversity and with the promise of opportunity, and that there is no place for symbols of division and hatred.

“Let us all understand that removing the Confederate Flag is just one more step in addressing the vestiges of centuries of racism in our nation. It opens the door for the real work to begin on a progressive agenda, such as: expanding voting rights and access to the polls, raising the minimum wage and eliminating wage and salary disparities based on gender, amending our state constitution to guarantee a high quality, versus a ‘minimally adequate’ education, enacting hate crimes legislation, becoming full partners with the Affordable Care Act of 2010, and improving our legal system to deliver justice equally without regard to race. The dialogue must continue, as the fight for social justice is more than a symbol.

“The YWCA of Greater Charleston continues to pray with our community at this difficult time.”