Today, July 10, 2025, marks a decade since the Confederate battle flag was removed from the grounds of the South Carolina State House. The flag’s lowering on this day in 2015 followed a tumultuous period of debate and a bipartisan vote by the state legislature, spurred by the tragic shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.
For decades, the flag had been a focal point of contention, viewed by many as a symbol of racial oppression and a painful reminder of slavery. Its presence near the Confederate Soldier Monument, where it had been moved in 2000 from atop the State House dome, drew consistent protests and calls for its permanent removal.
The tragic events of June 17, 2015, when Dylann Roof, a white supremacist who embraced the flag’s symbolism, murdered nine Black parishioners, provided the critical impetus for change. Then-Governor Nikki Haley championed the cause, leading the charge for the flag’s removal with significant support from both sides of the political aisle.
The moment the flag was lowered by state troopers on July 10, 2015, became a powerful and widely televised event, symbolizing a state grappling with its complex history and seeking a path toward healing and unity. The flag was subsequently transported to the Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum for display.
In the ten years since this landmark decision, South Carolina has continued to confront discussions about its historical symbols and the ongoing pursuit of a more inclusive future. The anniversary serves as a reminder of a pivotal moment in the state’s journey, reflecting a shift in how its history is publicly acknowledged and interpreted.
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