Conversations and demonstrations about the Confederate flag have continued over the country, with one activist taking matters into his own hands this week. Black Lives Matter Charleston organizer Muhiyidin d’Baha jumped over the Jumpman to tear down the battle flag during a speaking engagement for fellow activist Bree Newsome.
The Post and Courier reports Newsome was invited to the College of Charleston to speak about her experience in social justice at an event titled, “Tearing Hatred from the Sky.” Newsome became a personal hero to many in 2015 when she scaled a pole on the South Carolina Statehouse to take down the Confederate flag. With her demonstration happening after self-proclaimed white supremacist Dylann Roof killed nine black parishioners at the historic AME church, the flag and its meaning was a national debate. Newsome’s event brought out the South Carolina Secessionist Party, who opposed the college’s event.
Newsome’s event brought out the South Carolina Secessionist Party, who opposed the college’s event. A reported member of the party was at the event, proudly waving the battle flag. This didn’t sit well with d’Baha as he used every inch of black man magic to leap through yellow caution tape to take down the flag.
The way my man jumped for the Confederate flag like Neo and Trinity jumping between buildings has me absolutely weak tho. 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/qwmiLLAnIa
— KYLE + (@kylebillable) February 23, 2017
Police arrested the activist and charged him with disorderly conduct and malicious injury to real property. Thanks to a quick crowdfunding, d’Baha’s $2,000 bail was paid.
d’Baha has been vocal in his opposition of the flag and his social justice journey. After moving to South Carolina from New York in his early teens, d’Baha went on to play sports and study psychology in college. Since then, he’s taken the time to speak about the history of Charleston and community oversight of the town’s police department.
d’Baha hasn’t commented on the incident, but BLM Charleston has shared plenty of footage from the protest.
Other side of the guy taking down the racist flag. I mean confederate flag. pic.twitter.com/i3VmMzEsED
— Candycornucopia (@Concandycorn) February 24, 2017
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