J.D.R. Hawkins

Stars and Bars Banned (This time on a prom dress)

Yet again, ignorance raises its ugly head. After Gibson High School senior Texanna Edwards arrived at her senior prom wearing a beautiful sequined red dress with the Southern Cross adorning it, she was asked to leave. It is alarming to see how politics have entered into this. Whatever happened to freedom of speech and expression? 

The dress was not revealing in any way, but some close-minded individuals decided that it was offensive enough to kick the poor girl out of her own prom.Many students wear clothing every day with the Rebel flag on it, but this is the first time punishment has been instigated. Texanna went on television to say that she didn’t intend to offend anyone. Perhaps she was just proud of her heritage and ancestry. God forbid!

It is just one more example of how this country is removing more freedoms and liberties every day. Principal James Hughes refused to speak to reporters. Eddie Pruett, the director of schools for Gibson Country, was conveniently unavailable for comment.

For more info, visit: http://www.wmctv.com/story/17712045/teen-banned-from-prom-over-confederate-dress

Cultural Exchange at Horn Lake Library

Last Friday night, the Horn Lake library featured members of the SCV and UDC to give a presentation about the War Between the States. The program is sponsored by the Desoto Arts Council, and is held once a month to share and enlighten different art forms with diverse cultures in our community. 

Members of the Samuel A. Hughey Camp #1452 Sons of Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy Varina Howell Davis Chapter #2559 were on hand to participate in the Virginia Reel, talk about the language of the fan, provide period music and costumes, and entertain the crowd of approximately 90 people with a discussion about how the Civil War impacted local families.

The program concluded with an artillery demonstration by SCV infantrymen and firing off a real cannon! Although the rain was relentless, everyone had a great time, even the kids, who constructed Civil War finger puppets and colored in Civil War drawings. After everyone stood outside and got drenched, they went back in to enjoy a potluck dinner.