Montgomery Flag E1746723349230 — The flag was first used in 1952. (City of Montgomery)

Just months after a high school student led a movement to change Montgomery’s flag, the city has announced a public contest to redesign it.

“As Montgomery continues to evolve, the City Council believes it is time to embrace a fresh, inclusive vision that reflects the spirit, progress, and pride of its citizens… The goal is to create a flag that embodies unity, peace, and the shared values of Montgomery’s diverse population, while respecting its rich history.”
City of Montgomery

Want to submit your own design? Here’s what you need to know:

Open to all Montgomery residents, age 13+ (Proof of residency is required)
Only one entry per person or group
Must include a hand-drawn or digitally created sketch and a 250-word (or less) essay explaining the flag’s design, colors, and symbolism
Designs must avoid ideological, religious, or discriminatory imagery

All entires can be submitted through email (bblalock@montgomeryal.gov), mail (P.O. Box 1111, Montgomery, AL 36101) or delivered in person to City Hall Room 140.

A selection committee will rank submissions using a rubric based on creativity, simplicity, relevance, and adherence to the guidelines.

History of the flag

The current flag, which was adopted in 1952, has symbols reflecting the Confederacy. An online petition to change the flag got more than 2,500 signatures and the city council responded.

Montgomery has eliminated some Confederate names from the city including renaming schools formerly named after Robert E. Lee and Jefferson Davis. The city also renamed Jefferson Davis Avenue to Fred Gray Avenue, after the legendary civil rights attorney.

Do you have a flag design for Montgomery? Share it with us by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.