Fire service bans Black Country flag designed by 12-year-old due to 'potential link to slavery'
A fire service has been criticised for banning a Black Country flag designed by 12-year-old schoolgirl because it features a chain with a "potential link to slavery".
The red, black and white emblem was designed by Gracie Sheppard in 2013 to commemorate the industrial heritage of the West Midlands area.
Selected by public vote, it is proudly displayed on homes and buildings across the region on July 14, known as Black Country Day.
However, West Midlands Fire Service has now refused to display the flag at its stations, claiming the chains pictured on it may have historically been associated with the slave trade.
The service pledged its support to the Black Lives Matter movement and said it wants its staff to instead celebrate Black Country Day "in alternative ways" until they have established what the chains represent.
The move has prompted a backlash by local residents and MPs, who point out that the chains represent the chainmakers who were common during the Black Country's industrial heyday.
The colours of the flag were inspired by the words of Elihu Burritt, the American consul to Birmingham, who in 1862 described the region as "black by day and red by night" - a reference to its industrial activity. The white part represents glassmakers.
Marco Longhi, Conservative MP for Dudley North, said he would continue to fly his flag in Westminster, adding: "I am disappointed and angry to hear that fire brigade bosses are attacking a piece of art that reflects our proud industrial heritage.
"The Black Country Flag is known all over the world, it is a great shame these bosses seem to have no understanding of what it represents and what it means to the people of the Black Country.
"I suggest that fire brigade bosses reflect on their decision and instruct local fire stations to fly the flag with pride. I also believe an apology is due to Gracie Sheppard who designed the flag when she was a schoolgirl.
"This is political correctness gone mad and will no doubt anger the vast majority of Black Country folk.
"I am more than happy to meet with the out-of-touch bosses, who have tried to politicise the Black Country Flag, to aid their understanding of our proud history and traditions."
Steve Edwards, chairman of the Black Country Festival, added: "This is not a case of pitting the plight of our Black Country ancestors against the horrendous treatment of the people who were enslaved.
"It is saying that in many cases working-class Black Country people and Black slaves were victims of the very same people who profited from their labour."
Phil Loach, Chief Fire Officer of West Midlands Fire Service, said: “We’re proud of being an inclusive fire and rescue service, with staff from all walks of life who serve many diverse communities across the West Midlands - the bostin’ Black Country included!
“Many of my colleagues hail from the Black Country and, I know, are immensely proud to have been born, raised and to have families here.
“Having been made aware of claims about the flag’s imagery and the potential link to slavery, we asked our staff to celebrate Black Country Day in alternative ways on this occasion, so we could gain a fully rounded view.
“West Midlands Fire Service is absolutely clear on its position of supporting the campaign prompted by Black Lives Matter - which resonates directly and personally with a growing number of our staff - and is continuing to consider the information available about the flag.”
