Statement Against The Governor Of Mississippi

It is with disappointment and righteous indignation, that the Progressive National Baptist Convention’s Social Justice Commission, and President Timothy Stewart  oppose Mississippi’s Governor Tate Reeves’ Proclamation to make the month of April Confederate Heritage Month.  In a time of the Coronavirus Pandemic, where we need our government officials to help bring people together, Governor Reeves decided to remove the scab of hatred in America.  We detest the imperialistic and racist action of Governor Reeves.  We believe that this unwise and unholy decision brings to the memory of our community hurt, rape, lynchings castrations and much more that America should be ashamed of instead of celebrating.  The Confederate regime’s reason for war began primarily over the enslavement of black people.  The Confederates viewed the African American as property, a commodity, and never an equal person with human rights. It is a known fact, that during that time, the states who were under the Confederate side of America were known as and called “slave states.”  

The Bible says, Ephesians 6:12 -13, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”  Although we are disappointed and angry by the actions of  Governor Tate Reeves, we are not surprised.  It is this Governor who was a part of a fraternity (Kappa Alpha) at Milsaps College, who are pictured painted in “blackface.”  It is this Governor Tate Reeves that has a relationship with the Sons of Confederate Veterans, who still holds the hatred of their fore parents against African American men and women. It is this Governor Tate Reeves that would not confirm or deny if he wore “blackface.”  It is this Governor Tate Reeves that instead of focusing on as many as 1700 reported cases of Coronavirus and 51 deaths (in his state), he decides to bring back the memories of the deadliest war ever fought on American soil – over slavery.

This Proclamation of Confederate Heritage Month signals to America the thinking of old, that declares: 

 its rooted and grounded in an idolatrous worship of Whiteness.

 it is transparent political racism/imperialism for the sole purpose of strengthening White Supremacy and identity.

 a narrative of a White righteous America, to which all others are at best an afterthought.

The Progressive National Baptist Convention calls for:

 Complete condemnation and resistance to the Proclamation of Confederate Heritage Month  and Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi. 

 Condemnation of the moral bankruptcy of Governor Tate Reeves who focused his attention on race rather than the families affected by the Coronavirus Pandemic in Mississippi.

 All Faith-Based Institutions, National Organizations and Leaders to make a statement concerning Governor Tate Reeves actions.

Rev. George C. Gilbert, Jr.

202-262-5053

georgegilbert01@gmail.com

Social Justice Commission

Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.