Confederate flag removed from front of Binbrook residence

The front of a rural Binbrook home no longer has a Confederate battle flag flying that prompted an outcry over whether more should be done to keep symbols of hate off private property.

“I had a sense of relief,” said Amie Archibald-Varley who first raised the alarm.

“I did tear up a bit.” Hamilton anti-racism advocates, faith leaders and Mayor Fred Eisenberger had all urged homeowner Robert Pelton to take down the flag, which is considered a symbol of white supremacy and racial oppression. In addition, about 30 people rallied in Binbrook Saturday.

The Spectator could not reach Pelton, Sunday but in the past he’s said he flies the flag to oppose government oppression.

Varley says a neighbour called her Sunday to say the flag was no longer in front of the home. She drove by with her husband and kids around 2 p.m. to see for herself.

“I don’t think it was myself who did this, I think it was the work of the community,” said Varley, a Jamaican-Canadian nurse and podcaster. “We did it.”

Varely stressed there is still a long way to go to rid private properties of symbols of hate.

“This is a conversation starter,” she said.

The Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre echoed her comments, tweeting Sunday, “It’s finally down ... Symbols of hate have no place in our community. The work continues.”