Susan DeRose, the proprietor of OK Café situated in Buckhead, Georgia, has removed a Georgia flag and banner from her establishment that has been a source of conflict for years. DeRose has resolved to auction off the items and donate the proceeds to the police force, acknowledging that some individuals may find the flag and banner offensive.

On Friday, onlookers applauded the removal of the flag. The flag has been a contentious issue for decades, with some regarding it as a symbol of progress in civil rights, while others consider it to be a racist emblem. Isabel Johnson, a Buckhead for Black Lives organizer and a Georgia Tech student, expressed her approval for the flag’s removal and viewed it as a positive move towards transforming the restaurant into a more inclusive and hospitable place for everyone.

On Sunday, Johnson and others marched past the restaurant and saw a sign and tea party stand in front of the restaurant.

The poster read: “Lives that matter are made with positive purpose,” was later removed. While some praised DeRose’s decision to take down the flag, others were not satisfied. Former state Sen. Vincent Fort criticized DeRose, stating that he believed it was a calculated attempt to insult black people and their allies.

He argued that more needed to be done to reform how people are treated and that simply taking down the flag and donating the money to the police force was not enough. Johnson agreed that while removing the flag was a good first step, there was still much more to be done to create a more welcoming environment for all.

The controversy surrounding the Georgia flag highlights ongoing debates about symbols of the Confederacy and the country’s history of racism. While some see such symbols as a tribute to history and heritage, others view them as symbols of hate and oppression. The removal of the Georgia flag from OK Café is just one example of how businesses and communities are grappling with these issues and taking steps toward greater inclusion and equality.

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