Rep. Jeffries: ‘Red in This Flag Is a Painful Reminder’ of the Shed Blood

“Because of the red in this flag is a painful reminder of the blood that was shed by Africans who were killed when attempted to be kidnapped. And thrown into the institution of slavery. The red on this flag is a painful reminder of the blood that was shed by millions of Africans who died during the middle passage while being transported from Africa to America. The red on this flag is a painful reminder of the blood that was shed by African-American slaves who were beaten, raped, lynched, and killed here in America as a result of the institution of slavery. What exactly is the tradition the Confederate battle flag represents? We were sent here as leaders, to make decisions on the morality of America. Where we are notwithstanding our painful history and the legacy of slavery, we have an opportunity today to make a definitive statement, to be leaders not individuals who cower in fear of some narrow minded Americans who are unaware that the South lost the war 150 years ago. Let’s choose racial progress over racial poison. Let’s choose harmony over historic amnesia. Let’s choose togetherness over treason. Let's come together not as Democrats or Republicans, not as whites or blacks, not as northerners or southerners, let's come together as Americans and vote down the Calvert amendment and relegate the Confederate battle flag to the dust bin of history which is where it belongs.”