We need to stop the debate about the Pride flag and take action | Angela Poe Russell

Over the last week, I have been trying to make sense of all the debates surrounding public symbols, flags and statements, and I was well prepared to express my frustration about them.

I just felt like we were missing the bigger picture.

Let me offer a little context: The Juneteenth holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Texas and announced the release of over 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state. While this historic moment was no secret, it wasn’t until the 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police Department officers and the protests that followed that the government decided to make the holiday a federal holiday. But other than a day off, the holiday didn’t change my life. I wasn’t sure how it would reduce racism.

Companies have made Black Lives Matter statements and put up banners. I’ve never put up a banner, but I’ve joined a few committees to advocate for improvement. The real work often happens behind the scenes. But that doesn’t mean we should hide behind it.

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For someone who has been attacked because of their identity, a symbol or explanation can mean everything.

The Pride flag conveys a sense of welcome, love and support to the LGBTQ+ community.

For other audiences, when someone raises their voice, it’s a way to quiet the noise of hate. It’s like lighting a candle in a dark room. Why wouldn’t we want to do that?

The role of government is to represent the people while suppressing hate. And people are diverse. While governments may face some legal risks, these challenges are not insurmountable.

And highlighting one vulnerable group does not mean that another is unimportant.

And it doesn’t mean that everyone has to like it.

Part of life in the United States is that we live together despite different religions, political views and ethnicities.

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But here’s the key: While public demonstrations are important, it’s the actions that follow that matter most. Questioning whether someone is homophobic or racist for not flying a flag is just as troubling as assuming someone who does is making an effort. And that’s why we must not hang ourselves on them.

Flags without follow-up are nothing more than a sugar high with an impending crash. This Juneteenth, I will look at this symbol of a holiday as an invitation to not only be grateful for the gesture, but to continue doing things that ultimately create change.

Angela Poe Russell serves as an anchor at KIRO Newsradio and has worked in Seattle media for several years in various capacities. Read more of Angela’s comments here and follow her here on X.