Black Female Caller's Surprising Stance: "Keep the Confederate Statue – History Must Stay

In this engaging segment of The Clay Edwards Show, host Clay Edwards fields a call from a Black woman in Covington, Kentucky, who offers a refreshing and nuanced perspective on the ongoing debate over a Confederate monument in Brandon, Mississippi. The caller, a longtime listener celebrating a belated birthday shoutout from Clay, dives into the controversy surrounding the 1908 Civil War-era statue located just outside Jackson's city limits in the conservative suburb of Brandon. She firmly advocates for keeping the monument in place, arguing that "no Confederate flag, no Confederate statue, building, monument is not gonna come alive and say 'Hey Black girl, I want you back in slavery.'" Emphasizing its historical value, she notes it's been standing for over 100 years and, while sometimes offensive, deserves respect as part of America's past—people can simply choose to avoid those who embrace such symbols without demanding removal. The caller shares her recent research on Jefferson Davis, a Kentucky native and Confederate leader, revealing complexities like his adoption of a free Black orphan and allowing free Black soldiers to fight for the Confederacy. She stresses the importance of teaching "all of history, not just the selected parts," warning that erasing the "ugly" aspects makes it easier to repeat mistakes. Drawing parallels to preserved sites like the Berlin Wall, she aligns with Clay's view that judging historical figures solely through modern lenses is unfair, as they were "men of their times" with complicated legacies. Clay praises her viewpoint, critiquing "white savior" attitudes from locals like a Brandon school principal who spoke as if representing all Black students' offense, assuming uniform reactions without input from the community. This call comes amid heated local discussions, where Brandon residents recently weighed in at a July 8, 2025, board meeting on potentially relocating the statue—perhaps to the Confederate section of the city cemetery—to balance heritage with inclusivity. Arguments echoed national debates: some see it as a symbol of white power erected decades after the war, while others view removal as disrespecting Southern ancestors and erasing history. Despite the mayor's earlier claim that any move was hypothetical, the meeting highlighted growing pressure for change. Clay uses the exchange to underscore diverse Black opinions, challenging stereotypes and calling for unfiltered dialogue on history's role in progress. Tune in for more raw conversations, listener calls, and Clay's take on preserving the past without repeating it. Follow @SaveJXN on social media for episode clips and updates!