Bree Newsome: The Activist Who Took Down The Confederate Flag

Bree Newsome is a powerful symbol of activism and courage. Her bold act of removing the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Capitol grounds in 2015 captured national attention and ignited discussions around racism and civil rights. As an artist and activist, Newsome uses her platform to advocate for justice and equality, addressing issues that affect Black communities and challenging systemic oppression.

Bree Newsome's journey began in 1985 in Durham, North Carolina. Growing up in a diverse community, her parents instilled in her a strong sense of political awareness and the importance of activism. This foundation laid the groundwork for her future endeavors as she transitioned from a passionate young girl into a formidable activist. Her story is not just about an act of defiance but also about the broader movement for racial justice in America.

With her faith guiding her efforts, Newsome has become a prominent voice in the fight against racism. She believes that art and activism are intertwined, and she uses her creative talents to amplify her message. Bree has inspired many through her work, encouraging individuals to engage in the fight for equality and to stand up against injustice.

Table of Contents

• Biography
• Early Life
• Education
• Artist and Activist
• Moral Monday Arrest
• Takes Down Flag in South Carolina
• Consequences
• Going Forward
• Personal Life

Biography

Early Life

Bree Newsome was born in 1985 in Durham, North Carolina. She grew up in a diverse community in Columbia, Maryland, where her father served as dean of the School of Divinity at Howard University. Her mother was an educator, and together they instilled in Bree the importance of political awareness and activism.

From a young age, Newsome recognized the limitations faced by young Black girls. As she mentioned in a 2014 panel discussion, "The space that exists for many of us, as a young Black girl, is so extremely limited that you really can’t go very far without being an activist, without being in defiance of something." This realization fueled her passion for advocacy.

Education

Newsome excelled academically, particularly in the "Gifted and Talented" program at her school, where she was one of the few Black students. Her mother advocated for her access to this program, highlighting the ongoing issues of racial inequality in education.

At Oakland Mills High School, she participated in various activities, including musicals and student government. She graduated in 2003 and went on to study film at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she created award-winning projects and a public service announcement encouraging young voters.

Artist and Activist

Newsome identifies herself as both an artist and an activist. She believes that artists have a responsibility to tell the truth about the world, which is a form of activism in itself. After college, she became an artist-in-residence at Saatchi & Saatchi, and contributed to youth film programs in the Bronx.

As a musician, she played in a funk band called Powerhouse and created politically charged songs, including a rap video critiquing Mitt Romney's political strategies during the 2012 election. Her art reflects her commitment to justice and activism.

Moral Monday Arrest

In response to North Carolina's restrictive voting legislation, Newsome became more active in advocacy. She joined the Moral Monday movement, which united various groups to protest against voter suppression. During a sit-in at the office of Thom Tillis, the then-North Carolina Speaker of the House, she was arrested for the first time.

Takes Down Flag in South Carolina

On June 27, 2015, Bree Newsome made headlines when she climbed a 30-foot flagpole at the South Carolina Capitol to remove the Confederate flag. Her actions came shortly after a racially motivated shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Newsome's defiance was driven by her belief that the flag symbolizes hate and oppression.

During her ascent, she declared, "You come against me with hatred, oppression, and violence. I come against you in the name of God. This flag comes down today." Her act of bravery inspired many and highlighted the ongoing struggles against racism in America.

Consequences

Following her act, Newsome was arrested alongside her ally James Ian Tyson. Initially facing misdemeanor charges, the charges were later dropped. The day of her climb became a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion about the Confederate flag and its implications for racial equality.

In the aftermath, another Confederate flag was raised, but legislators eventually voted to remove the flag from the Capitol grounds, leading to its official retirement on July 10, 2015. Newsome's actions were influential in this significant legislative change.

Going Forward

In recognition of her activism, Bree Newsome received the NAACP's Chairman's Award in 2016. She continues to use her platform to raise awareness about racial injustice, giving talks such as "Tearing Hatred from the Sky." Her work inspires others to engage in activism and strive for positive change.

Newsome emphasizes the need for individuals to confront systemic racism and injustices in society. In a 2017 piece for the Washington Post, she stated, "It will increasingly fall upon everyday people to do the right thing," highlighting the collective responsibility we all share in the fight for equality.

Personal Life

Bree Newsome married Marcus Bass in October 2018. Her personal life reflects her commitment to her values and her ongoing dedication to activism.

Quick Facts

• Birth Year: 1985
• Birth State: North Carolina
• Birth City: Durham
• Birth Country: United States
• Gender: Female
• Best Known For: Climbing the flagpole to remove the Confederate flag
• School: New York University, Tisch School of the Arts
• Nationality: American

Through her courageous actions and unwavering commitment to justice, Bree Newsome stands as a beacon of hope for many, inspiring future generations to continue the fight against racism and oppression.