Downing of a Flag

Through interviews, archived footage and photographs, the Confederate Battle flag’s history, meaning and impact are examined, from its creation and adoption during the American Civil War; to its resurrection over the South Carolina State House in 1961; to its use as a symbol by Dylan Roof, who, in 2015, killed nine Black parishioners at the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.

The horror of the Orangeburg Massacre and lack of attention it received provide context for the era in which the Confederate Battle flag was first raised over the South Carolina State House. Efforts throughout history to remove the flag are explored. Nine days after the Charleston church shooting, President Barack Obama delivers a memorable eulogy; two weeks later, the flag is removed.