Metro Atlanta city debates action on mural including Confederate flag
Another controversy over the Confederate flag has developed in metro Atlanta.
The city of Tyrone in Fayette County is debating what to do about a mural at City Hall that includes a soldier with a Confederate flag draped over his shoulder, Channel 2 Action News reported Thursday.
“I’m not offended by it,” Mayor Eric Dial said. “But that’s not the point.”
The controversy arose at the Aug. 17 City Council meeting, when state Rep. Derrick Jackson objected to the mural.
“This is not about history, this is not about heritage,” Jackson told Channel 2. “This is about doing the right thing.”
City leaders decided to put up a red curtain to cover the mural from public view. It has been on the wall for 21 years.
Not everyone likes even the temporary action.
“I don't like it,” business owner Lisa Lytle said, “just because ... that's part of our history.”
No permanent decision has been reached.
“We have a very diverse community,” Dial said. “And we want to make sure we're sensitive to every person’s input.”
In other news:
