Minnesota unveils its new state flag after critics panned the previous one for being racist toward Native Americans
Minnesota has unveiled a new state flag after critics panned the previous flag for being racist towards Native Americans.
On Tuesday, the State Emblems Redesign Committee selected the new design: a white eight-pointed North Star on a dark blue background in the shape of the state and a light blue field representing the state's waters.
The design was created by Minnesota artist Andrew Prekker from 2,500 public submissions. Pekker found it 'surreal' to have his design selected.
On May 11, 2024, the state – known as the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes' – will officially adopt the new state flag.
The previous flag design dates from 1893 and features an image of a Native American on horseback. Some called the old design racist when the Native American left with a white settler in the foreground.
Democratic lawmaker Mike Freiberg labeled the original flag “a messy genocidal mess.”
New flag: Minnesota debuted their new state flag on Tuesday with a redesign of the flag and state seal. It will become the official state flag in May 2024
Old flag: The flag's previous design – which dates to the 1960s – featured an image of a Native American on horseback in the center of the seal
Minnesota Flag Commission Chairman Luis Fitch (pictured) is seen during the final design process
There were calls to change the flag — dating back to the 1960s — because many believed it represented Native Americans.
Some argued that the old flag, showing the Indian riding off into the sunset while a white settler plows a field with a rifle nearby, was offensive, according to KARE.
“It's very deliberately part of the design of the seal to represent the displacement of Native Americans, and I don't think it has a place on our state flag,” said state Rep. Mike Freiberg of Golden Valley, who introduced a bill. for the redesign, thus MPRNews.
Others said the old flag was just too complicated.
In May, the state legislature passed a bill to redesign the flag and state seal. A committee was formed and the public was invited to participate in the process by submitting designs.
Some of the other design entries include tributes to popular state symbols, including thThe state bird, the diver and the monarch butterfly.
Luis Fitch, chairman of the state's Emblems Redesign Commission, said CNN “He hopes the flag will bring Minnesotans together.”
“It is such a rare privilege to be able to contribute to our state's history in such a special way,” he said in a statement on the commission's website.
“It is an achievement that I hope will bring great unity and pride to our country, and that fact I will cherish with great honor for the rest of my life.”
On Tuesday, Prekker released a statement through the Minnesota Historical Society expressing his gratitude and excitement for this honor.
Minnesota artist Andrew Prekker said in part, “Of the many emotions I feel, the strongest are a sense of honor, privilege, excitement, and gratitude.” He is depicted with a concept for what became the winning design
'The past few days have been surreal for me. “There are few things that leave me speechless in life, but this is one of those moments where it is difficult to express the pure gratitude and amazement I have felt at this entire opportunity,” Prekker said.
“Of the many emotions I feel, the strongest are a sense of honor, privilege, excitement and gratitude.
“It is such a rare privilege to be able to contribute to the history of our state in such a special way like this. And I'm so proud to say I helped design the new Minnesota state flag!
“It is an achievement that I hope will bring great unity and pride to our country, and that fact I will cherish with great honor for the rest of my life.
“It is my greatest hope that this new flag can finally properly represent our state and all its residents. '
“That every Minnesotan from every background – including those indigenous communities and tribal nations who have been historically excluded – can look at our flag with pride and honor and see themselves in it.
'I am extremely grateful to the committee that selected my design. I have put in many hours of hard work, research, passion, revisions and advice, all to try and create the best flag possible.”
“And knowing that the commission (and Minnesotans in general) recognize my flag as something special means the world to me.T
'Thanks to everyone who has shown me support. Your enthusiasm, passion and kindness made this whole experience all the more special.”