We all cheered on Bree Newsome from afar when she ripped the confederate flag off of the South Carolina state Capitol, symbolically dismantling decades of oppression.
Now the fight continues with actress Aunjanue Ellis leading the way.
Ellis, who you know from her roles in Quantico and The Help, is spearheading the charge to remove a confederate emblem from the Mississippi state flag through fashion, WFTV reports.
Her first protest of her hometown’s flag was through an off-white gown with the words “Take It Down Mississippi” written on the back. Her second dress was a red number with “President Obama Take It Down” in bold, black lettering.
While fashion makes a bold statement in its own right, Ellis is taking it up a notch by refusing to film any work in Mississippi.
“Because of my personal pledge to not shoot in Mississippi, I can’t produce my own projects here,” Ellis told WFTV. “If and when a great role comes along and it’s shot here, I can’t do it. I’ve shot here several times and it’s been so special for me to do. But not again until that flag comes down.”
Temporarily taking a blow to her career is worth it to Ellis in order to make an impact for future generations. Ellis looks to her young nephew and niece as sources of strength for the cause.
“I don’t want them going to school having to walk under a sign that tells them that they are nothing more than chattel,” Ellis said. “That’s what that flag is.”
We totally stand behind her decision.
SOURCE: WFTV | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
MORE STORIES…
Everything You Need To Know About Our New Fave Superwoman, Bree Newsome
Evening Minute: Marlo Hampton Gets Dragged For Wearing Confederate Flag Shirt
A Confederate Flag Will Not Be Placed Across From Alabama HBCU
