No, the Maryland Flag Does Not Have Racist Roots | Eur Ing Dr James P. Howard II No, the Maryland Flag Does Not Have Racist Roots | Eur Ing Dr James P. Howard II

Dr James P. Howard, II
A Mathematician, a Different Kind of Mathematician, and a Statistician

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No, the Maryland Flag Does Not Have Racist Roots

I usually write longer explainers, but it’s not even necessary this time, because that’s how wrong the Baltimore Sun is this time.


The flag comes from the arms of the Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore. Here, these the arms granted by the College of Arms no later than 1675:

The Arms of Cecil Calvert, Baron Baltimore, showing the Crossland shield
The Arms of Cecil Calvert, Baron Baltimore, showing the Crossland shield

Yes, the Crossland banner was adopted by secessionists in Maryland, but they co-opted a symbol of the State of Maryland. Suggesting the Crossland banner is a racist emblem is just as bad as suggesting the Confederate statues are not. Fortunately, the Crossland banner has been restored to its rightful place, representing Maryland and her history for more than 350 years.

(I’ve been advised that Nina Basu will be fighting with me on Facebook about this tomorrow morning. That’s okay, she’ll catch up to me in about six months…)