A Jackson State student’s take on Gov. Tate Reeves’ problematic Confederate Heritage Month proclamation

Photo: Google Image

By: Zhane McCorvey
Staff Writer

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves’ recent proclamation declaring April as Confederate Heritage Month has once again thrust the debate over the role of Confederate symbols into the spotlight. This proclamation, continuing a 31-year-old tradition, reflects Reeves’ commitment to perpetuating a version of history that many argue whitewashes the Confederacy’s racist past and minimizes the role of slavery in the Civil War.

It’s worth noting that the proclamation originated from Beauvoir, the historic home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, operated by the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV). This organization has been criticized for promoting the “Lost Cause” ideology, a revisionist history that attempts to glorify the Confederacy while downplaying its role in perpetuating slavery and white supremacy.

Reeves defends his decision by pointing out that this tradition has been upheld by governors from both parties for the past 30 years. While this may be true, it doesn’t necessarily make it right. Former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, who signed a similar proclamation during his term, later admitted that Confederate Heritage Month is “something that should not continue in today’s world.”

The roots of this tradition trace back to Mississippi’s first Republican governor in a century, Kirk Fordice, who courted support from white supremacist groups. This association with groups promoting white supremacy casts a shadow over the entire concept of Confederate Heritage Month.

Reeves’ ties to the SCV, including his 2013 speech at their national gathering, raise questions about his objectivity on this issue. His past association with a fraternity known for Confederate-themed parties, as well as the controversy surrounding blackface during his 2019 campaign, further complicates his stance.

While Reeves did sign a bill retiring the state’s Confederate-themed flag in 2020, his subsequent denial of systemic racism and signing of a “critical race theory ban” in 2022 indicates a contradictory approach to addressing racial issues in Mississippi. His claims that critical race theory is being used to “humiliate” white people demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the academic theory, which aims to examine systemic racial inequalities.

Gov. Reeves has been issuing proclamations in favor of Confederate Heritage Month for years, and every April, it feels like a repetitive cycle of the same old rhetoric. It’s become a predictable yet disheartening annual event that divides rather than unites us. While some may argue it’s just a nod to history, the timing, context, and implications are clear. By continuously endorsing this tradition, Gov. Reeves perpetuates a divisive narrative that doesn’t reflect the inclusive and progressive Mississippi we should be striving for. It’s time to break this cycle and let go of these outdated proclamations that serve no purpose other than to fuel controversy and deepen historical wounds.

Now, let’s put this into perspective with a bit of humor and irony. According to a TikTok video (https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLmu6rW5/), here’s a list of things that have lasted longer than the Confederacy, which took place from 1861-1865:

1. The Doritos Locos Taco (2012): Yes, that delicious taco shell made of Doritos outlasted your Confederate nostalgia.
2. Scott’s Tots (2009): If you’re a fan of “The Office,” you’ll know how cringe-worthy this episode is. Still, it managed to last longer than the Confederacy.
3. Any given can of tuna: That can of tuna sitting in your pantry? It probably has a longer shelf life than your Confederate pride.
4. Obama’s Presidency (2009-2017): Yep, eight years of Barack Obama as President of the United States lasted longer than the Confederacy.
5. RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009-present): The iconic drag competition has entertained audiences for years, outlasting your Confederate heritage by a long shot.

The Confederacy wasn’t a tradition, it was a phase in the 1800s, and I think it’s time to move on. Instead of clinging to symbols of division and oppression, let’s embrace a future where all Mississippians can feel included and valued. It’s time for Gov. Reeves and all leaders to prioritize unity over division and to work towards creating a state where everyone’s heritage is respected and celebrated. 

Let’s advocate for a Mississippi that looks forward, not backward, and leaves the relics of the past where they belong: in history books, not proclamations.