Hip Hop artists have defended Bree Newsome, the activist who literally took matters into her own hands by scaling a flagpole to remove South Carolina's Confederate flag.
According to Complex, Newsome climbed the 30-foot flagpole on the Statehouse grounds just before supporters of the flag arrived for a protest to keep the flag up. Newsome reportedly took lessons for two days before the incident. Police were called as she and supporters shouted "we have nothing to lose but our chains!"
Once she reached the top, Newsome spoke out against the flag's meaning. "We come against... hatred, oppression, and violence. I come against you in the name of God," Newsome said. "This flag comes down today." Newsome and fellow activist James Tyson were arrested after she climbed down.
The flag was raised by an African American worker a short time later.
The 30-year-old is now facing charges of defacing a monument. Since her arrest, Nas, 2 Chainz, 9th Wonder, Big Boi and more have defended her with the hashtag, #FreeBree.
Gabrielle Union also defended the woman, explaining how the flag flying on during the funerals of the Charleston Nine were distasteful.
Gov. Nikki Haley announced there would be a vote on the flag's fate in the next few weeks.
Newsome was given a $3,000 bond while supporters raised a reported $60,000 three hours after her arrest.
Check out the incident and it's massive reaction by social media above.
Source: Complex, Twitter | Photo Credit: Twitter | Video Credit: YouTube
