The City of Natchitoches has banned the use/display of the Confederate Flag in the City of Natchitoches Christmas Parade. In a letter to the Historic District Business Association, which operates the Christmas Festival, Mayor Lee Posey states that the City of Natchitoches (CON) has determined that a significant portion of the public associates the flag with organizations advocating expressions of hate, racism and intolerance directed toward people or groups that is demeaning to them. The letter also takes a position of concern that the display of the flag in the Christmas Festival Parade could be taken by the public as an endorsement of a symbol that is viewed as racially inflammatory.
The 2010 Census shows that the City of Natchitoches is:
| Black/African American | 59.20% |
| White | 37.20% |
| American Indian | 0.50% |
| Asian alone | 0.60% |
| Two or More Races, percent, 2010 | 1.70% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 0.00% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 0.80% |
The City of Natchitoches should be ashamed ! It was the Confederate Texas Cavalry that kept the City from burning to the ground after Union forces set it on fire during their retreat from Mansfield – Pleasant Hill. The good Union went on to burn Alexandria to the ground! Be ashamed Mayor Posey! Be ashamed City of Natchitoches!
I am so proud of Natchitoches!
I can’t wait for the festival this year! And if all of the people who claim they will be boycotting actually do, it will be less crowded and more enjoyable for the rest of us! I will certainly still be spending money in Natchitoches at the holiday season, and all year! I’m excited to see the changes being made at NSU and in Natchitoches! Bring on the holiday season!
I’m glad to see the City of Natchitoches moving into the 21st century and applaud this decision.
Also thanks to all of the commenters for letting me know that the ignorant racists will be staying home. I will enjoy Christmas Festival more this year without you.
I love how white people get so mad about the “minority” even after the article says that YOU are the minority. I feel sorry for your children that you’re teaching them so much hate.
Katherine, no matter if you are offended or thousands are disgusted, this is still a violation of the Constitution. The Mayor of course has no authority on determining what is Constitutional.
Since the Caucasian Americans are the “minority” then shouldn’t special dispensation be given to protect their wants?
Lastly, I will pray for your children that you are raising. For them not to be closed minded to what others believe, to not be ignorant of the functions of society and how it works, to show respect to all and not possess a sad superiority over others.
A violation of the constitution? All you people calling others “ignorant” really need to get your facts straight.
Supporting history and heritage and honoring men from a different time who fought in a war that was much more complicated than revisionist historians would have you believe does not equate to being a racist. What a narrow minded, non inclusive statement. Shame on you.
I love how white people only want to be inclusive when you’re talking about the confederacy or the KKK.
Hey what if we let you carry your hateful flag, but only if we let gay people and Planned Parenthood march in the parade, too? Would that work for you, since it’s more inclusive?
Take your hypocrisy somewhere else.
I am sorry you feel this way. It is obvious you are not well educated in history and reacting to incorrect, but deep emotions. If you knew your history you would know the slave ships did not fly a Confederate flag. It was the United States flag. Did you know first slave owner in the United States was a Black man. Did you know slavery started in the Northern states ? Further, many, many Blacks fought FOR the Confederate States of America. In fact, free blacks organized themselves into a first rate military organization in New Orleans way before the north ever considered Black units. And, Confederate President Jefferson Davis got rid of his slaves and publically stated that slavery was going to fade away in the South. Did I mention he adopted a black slave and made him his son ? His name was Sam Davis. President Lincoln did not even use slavery as a war issue until he needed something to raise more political public opinion. His plan was to send Blacks back to Africa. In fact, the country of Liberia was part of that plan. Look it up. There is a Black Confederate Veteran buried about twenty feet from my Great Great Grandfather. He was a war hero. So let’s talk about these “racists” you have implied in your comments. Their ancestors were fighting for the defense of their homes and families from an invading tyrannical government. The South was being unfairly taxed for their cotton. There were no provisions offered by the North to re-Inburse slave holders for the loss of their property. Remember, slaves back then were considered property under United States laws and they were valuable commodities. If someone from the government came to your house and took your car, or TV, or computer, or tractor and did not offer to pay for them would you fight to keep them ? The Flag you have been detesting in your head is not a flag of hate. Rather, it was only used as a soldiers flag and its design was necessary because the Confederate flag looked too much like the United States flag on the battlefield. If you are trying to associate the Confederate flag with the KKK you need to be educated some more. The KKK has primarily used the United States flag throughout their history. The use of the Confederate flag by the hooded guys is sporadic and fairly recent. They do not have permission to use the Confederate flag for any of their purposes or activities. I hope this enlightened you a little and I hope you can appreciate that the Confederate flag represents freedom from oppression. Very few Southerners owned slaves, yet each one of them were fighting to keep from becoming slaves of a ever growing and powerful Federal government. Flying the Confederate flag in a parade is part of my ancestoral heritage and it is my right. Your opinion is your right. If you do not like the flag just look the other way. No harm, no foul.
Yay!
Why are y’all removing a part of southern heritage and history ?
Why are you giving in to the whims of the minority who evidently control the wants of the masses?
The Taliban, and Isis , upon moving in and taking over a city, destroy / remove all things historical. Are we, as a nation/ not doing the same thing by removing these historical pieces, please rethink your position.
Please.
I would also like to know why all of the pro-removal of the flag proponents do not study their history as they would then understand that the flag is not representative of slavery. It’s the majority of the incompetent who are driving this country into the ground (aka The Peter Principal).
It saddens me that this idiot mayor determined that the flag was an insult. Instead of wasting time and money on pushing to remove the flag, you could have reallocated that budget to re-educating the public on what the flag actually stood for and who created the flag. You can rest assured, I will not support Natchitoches in light of this position. Will you next be removing the Fleur de Lis for your ignorance of what this symbol represents (the Holy Trinity) or will you push to remove it because you believe this also stands for slavery?
Are you kidding me? If your gonna take the confederate flags out I think you need to take out the MISS BLACK HERITAGE QUEENS, cause that’s racist too. You don’t see a MISS WHITE HERITAGE QUEEN do you?? Nope, cause if we had one of those we’d be called racist so ban the flag ONLY if your gonna ban those Queens too.
Well It appears flagaphobia is spreading fast and more elected official wants to show its ignorance at history and the heritage of this city. In that case because a majority of people responding to this article have determined that that the city is not worth visiting, due to blatant ignorance , discrimination and just plain stupidity It ooks like we will not be coming to visit in February next year.
I have been to a couple of Christmas Festivals since I moved to Natchitoches in 2004 from Cloutierville La. and I have never remember seeing a Confederate flag in it!! So….why when it’s banned from many places…since many find it is offensive because it does have a racial side to its story. . does Natchitoches citizens want to rebel and parade it around?!!! Because as you can tell their are still many racist in Natchitoches!!!It’s a shame….I bet a few of these people with negative comments are figures who work with the public on a daily basis!!! Stand your ground Mr. Mayor!!! You are doing the right thing!!! As you can figure….it doesn’t matter what these people who disagree with you think or say…..the majority of people support you!! Congratulations on a job well done!!! I can’t believe people in Natchitoches just want to start trouble during a time where our small town gets the most attention!! Get over your prejudices, read about the rebel flag, and take a lesson in manners!!!If you want to be a good host or hostess….don’t offend your guests!! Thank you and Good night!!!
I totally agree with you, why is it such a’ve big deal to these persons when it presence has a such a negative affect on black people. We associate it with slavery. If other states are removing this Confederate flag, due to obvious reasons, the whites here should understand. We still have lot of racism in Natchitoches, this situation tells the story. I applaud the Mayor for taking this action.
The SCV and reenactor groups march in the parade every year and carry the flags of the units they represent. Clearly, you don’t pay a lot of attention, do you?
Cleary he’s not interested in being reelected.
Hey this aint right , why is everyone so concerned about offending someone? If you’re mad who cares , you can get happy in the same shoes you got mad in , I’ll always fly my flag and anyone who don’t like it can go get f**ed
The mayor of The Great City Of Natchitoches has made a stand for himself and the citizens of his city. Its sad that the people in Natchitoches now want to run from the real history that built what has made Natchitoches what it is today. To band something or to band a group that wants to show their true heritage is taking their freedom away. We are all tax paying citizen and our families have fought to keep our right to freedom of speech. The SCV marching in the parade to me is a freedom of speech . Mr. Posey you need to tell the tax paying people of the United States of America and the State of Louisiana why you and the citizen of Natchitoches have refused men that what to express their freedom of speech in your parade.
Um … if this is an official city function, then they have no business having a Christmas festival, as that would be an endorsement of religion (not that I object to Christmas festivals, but that’s the argument used by the left). You can’t have your cake and eat it, too; you can’t say that a Christmas parade is NOT an endorsement of a religion, but allowing the flags IS somehow an endorsement of ANYTHING.
Natchitoches is just like all the rest of the towns they don’t want to hurt no body feelings but they want to be a big historcical town but don’t all the history to be told. Because it might offend someone.
i look forward to the christmas parade every year and seeing the sons of confederate veterans march and carry the flag , i will not be attending the parade or going to christmas events until the sons of confederate veterans come back
Thank you ! I’m a proud member of the SCV!
My goodness what is happening to us. We now have to forget our heritage because it might offend someone. How about we educate those who are unaware of the true history of our flag that so many of all backgrounds lost their life. Please stop the insanity. God bless America
PATHETIC!!
I am calling for a boycott of any and all business establishments in your city due to the recent decision to prevent the inclusion of Confederate flags in your upcoming Christmas parade. The Mayor’s decision is political at best and shows the lack of knowledge by the General citizenry about the War Between the States. Confederate flags are a part of your city’s history. Further, thousands of blacks served honorably by supporting the Confederate States of America military. The liberal fanatics desirous of committing cultural genocide in your city are no better than the Muslim terrorists who are desecrating Christian graves and monuments. It is unfortunate that a small group of racist activists can dictate who participates in a parade, especially since the Confederate flag has been displayed for years, without issue. Granted, your Black population is the majority, however, I do not know of anyone in the minority calling for the removal of MLK street signs or the dissolution of Black History Month, yet. Reconsider this decision. Allow us to honor our past and celebrate the season in the Christmas parade. Heritage not hate.
As the great granddaughter of a Confederate officer, I am proud of the City of Natchitoches for taking a stand against a flag that has been appropriated by hate groups. I have never approved of the display of that flag and I never will. And that doesn’t change my love for my family or my respect for the past. So I will spend more of my money in Natchitoches. I love this place.
Your Ancestor would be ashamed of you! Nothing worse than hearing a supposed to be Southerner spew such ignorant venom from their lips!
I like your statement!!
As the great great granddaughter of a Confederate infantryman, your comment and attitude toward the flag of your ancestor is repugnant. How ashamed he must be of you. You should, instead, fight for your ancestor’s honor and all others who fought. You should join those of us who stand and shout the true meaning of our flag.
What a sad day for Natchitoches. As the proud descendent of many Confederate soldiers who gave their lives to defend the city I am absolutely disgusted by this politically correct stance that is nothing more than pandering to the lowest common denominator of ignorant, uneducated voters. THIS GUTLESS MAYOR NEEDS TO GO!
Your mayor has effectively dis-invited me and mine. Hey maybe y’all can replace the revenue lost by turning away the SCV and the UDC. Maybe BLM can come be in your parade.
Well now, y’all have just proved your ignorance!!! These idiots that have a problem with the Confederate flag need to go to the history books and educate yourselves, if the Confederate flag offends you, you don’t know what it’s all about and don’t know crap about your hertiage. All of the white folks need to start screaming “racism” and “discrimination” because that’s exactly what it is. Black folks are some of the biggest racist there is and are always doing crap to make it worse than it has to be. They only have themselves and their actions to blame for white folks feeling as they do about them!! This is it…..I’ve had with this stupid mess……I’ll NOT spend another penny in this town,……not at your doctors, lawyers, businesses, NOTHING!!! Way to go, y’all are so deserving of your nickname, “Natchatrash”!!
👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😁
As a separate republic, Louisiana remembers too well the whisperings of European diplomacy for the abolition of slavery in the times of annexation not to be apprehensive of bolder demonstrations from the same quarter and the North in this country. The people of the slave holding States are bound together by the same necessity and determination to preserve African slavery.
No plans to ever return. Why? Ask the mayor about dis-inviting the Louisiana Division. It seems that me and mine are no longer welcome.
Here is a suggestion, get BLM to take their place in the parade. I’m sure that will more than make up for the revenue that is about to be lost.
Our position is thoroughly identified with the institution of slavery—the greatest material interest of the world. Its labor supplies the product which constitutes by far the largest and most important portions of commerce of the earth. These products are peculiar to the climate verging on the tropical regions, and by an imperious law of nature, none but the black race can bear exposure to the tropical sun. These products have become necessities of the world, and a blow at slavery is a blow at commerce and civilization. That blow has been long aimed at the institution, and was at the point of reaching its consummation. There was no choice left us but submission to the mandates of abolition, or a dissolution of the Union, whose principles had been subverted to work out our ruin…
A geographical line has been drawn across the Union, and all the States north of that line have united in the election of a man to the high office of President of the United States, whose opinions and purposes are hostile to slavery. He is to be entrusted with the administration of the common Government, because he has declared that that “Government cannot endure permanently half slave, half free,” and that the public mind must rest in the belief that slavery is in the course of ultimate extinction. This sectional combination for the submersion of the Constitution, has been aided in some of the States by elevating to citizenship, persons who, by the supreme law of the land, are incapable of becoming citizens; and their votes have been used to inaugurate a new policy, hostile to the South, and destructive of its beliefs and safety.
What a joke. U.S. White people have became unheard and cowards. We had better stand our ground or we will no longer have any.
I went to Natchitoches this spring and was looking forward to going back in December. You celebrate being a historic town but want to deny people’s history and heritage?? You’ve gotten enough of my money this year. My money, my family and I will be back when the Rebel Flag is no longer banned. You are as bad as New Orleans, wanting tourist money, claiming to be historic, but want to remove history.
No more gator farm for my family. No more anything for Natchitoches. You are going to regret that decision this Christmas, oh wait that might offend some one.
Might as well burn the plantation homes to. See if i ever come to Natchitoches again. Won’t happen because of reverse racism. Posey is a pansy.
Minority rules again! Our heritage don’t mean crap to a small handful of people.
Are we living in America? Who voted on this? This is like opening pandora’s box to a point the whole city will shut down due to historic shame. History is what it is and should not be ignored unless it becomes relived through ignorance.
Really Natchitoches? How small your mayor’s mind is. My family and I certainly won’t be back to the festival unless and until this position is reversed. I won’t stand for having my heritage so denigrated.
Oh my goodness I can’t believe this is happening I love my hometown of Natchitoches this is sad that’s part of history and your are just wiping it away like its nothing that’s so upsetting 😔
Will never be back and I will not visit anymore
Well, guess they won’t be needing my family’s money this year,huh ?
I will no longer attend any Natchitches activities. This is a shame. I thought Natchitoches was known for its history!
Looks like the City needs to show the public exactly how this was determined..results of a poll,how many people were actually contacted,when this was finally determined and who in the City actually voted for this.
Are y’all for real. To ban a flag because of ignorance is totally stupid. First of, when do we get to vote Lee Posey out of office and second off, who do we have to discuss with, the remedy to this problem.
Never going back there,and they will never see any of my money!!
Thanks for never coming back!
Umm, well I can see why with all that’s going on in the world and yet (we) Caucasian people are taking offense to it. But ever wonder what does the other race in Natchitoches feels about. My great great great grandfather who was raised here well he owned plenty of slaves shoot I think he has a few kids by a slave or two idk lol but I don’t recall our kind (Caucasian ) working on plantations other than tending to the farm and animals etc. The African American people were out in those fields not us, yes blacks fought in the confederacy but guess what, not bc the wanted to its bc they were made or given a stern warning that we can see where that went. I’m jus saying come on now think about it plus the rules applied in Natchitoches don’t talk till spoken to get off the side walk when a white person walks on sit up top of theater only etc… and you really can’t say that racism here doesn’t exist bc it does. I’m just saying keep an open mind.
You really should learn your history before you come out sounding so ignorant. There was all black, free men that fought for the south on their decision. There is also not one person alive today that was a slave, knew a slave, or ever talked to a slave. I don’t personally feel I owe anyone anything, but to take away from my heritage becuase of your ignorance is not the right way to handle things.
bigjudah, your recollection of no whites working in the cotton fields is foggy to say the least. i don’t know how you can remember as far back your great, great ,great grandfather and his slaves. as a young white teenager in the mid 1970’s, I worked in the cotton fields and in the cotton gin belonging to j. h. williams. there were several more whites and blacks in the fields and we got paid in cash. our pay was in little yellow envelopes at the company store. racism is everywhere in the world. you and the people who are offended by the Confederate Flags need to keep an open mind because not everyone who honors their ancestors is racist.
Well said!
Guess who’s ignorant the one’s getting mad over a flag it’s not about heritage half of you on here view the flag as racism yourself and that’s why your so mad it’s not being thrown in black people’s faces this year.😝
My family will not attend ever ! and will never spend a dime in Natchitoches
Well my family will not be going to river bank at all this year nor will my money be spent down their I’ll just keep my flag flying high in my yard
youre stupid !
“A significant portion of the public”… Really? Funny, no one asked me. How do they determine these things?
Good job, city of Natchitoches!
Obviously it’s a ban on the REBEL flag, not the actual confederate flag. HAHAHAHAHA~
good job?????
Wow. I’m very disappointed in Natchitoches. And to think we are a Historical City. They might as well shut down all the Historical Plantations too and never speak of history as it may be considered offensive. Ridiculous.
My goodness what is happening to us. We now have to forget our heritage because it might offend someone. How about we educate those who are unaware of the true history of our flag that so many of all backgrounds lost their life. Please stop the insanity. God bless America
This is totally ridiculous!!! the city should do its homework and read the history behind that flag!! I am a proud daughter of the confederacy and i want to see TONS of these displayed by the public just to show them how we feel!!!!!!
Explain this to the daughters and sons of the confederacy that always march in the Christmas festival parade. Seriously?! Just wipe out history.