'We Shall Overcome' billboard uses Confederate flags

On the side of I-55, facing south and visible to northbound traffic, is a large sign that bears mixed messages.

"We Shall Overcome," it says, quoting a protest song that became the anthem of the Civil Rights movement in the 50s and 60s.

But the letters are made of Confederate battle flags, which most people consider to be racist symbolism because it stands for the Confederate states during the civil war.

The sign states that it was paid for by The LewLa Movement, which, according to an email passed around Twitter, is allegedly "a small but innovative group of artists" commissioned by Miss Myrtis Films.

According to online business directories, Miss Myrtis Films is based out of West Hollywood, California. The phone number goes to New York, however.

Someone who returned a call to Miss Myrtis Films said she was on the business side of the company and that she would have someone contact The Clarion-Ledger about the project.

The billboard is owned by Lamar Advertising. At this point, Lamar officials say they are looking into the situation.

The email claims that the piece is the beginning of a series of visual and theatrical artworks intended to spark discussion about Mississippi culture.

The billboard certainly has sparked discussion. Some people are adamantly against it, saying they don't think it's a good idea for people from California or New York to come in and start such controversy.

"My thoughts are, 'Can you rent a flamethrower, and what's the range on one?'" said Brad Ward, an Ole Miss graduate.

"Not really sure why someone in West Hollywood wants to stick their nose in other folks' business. I understand the message because I am a proud southerner who doesn't think the rebel flag is a symbol of anything but our 'raisin' in the South; our heritage of manners, Christian beliefs, respect, pride, and love," said Cindy Winstead. "There are, however, others that don't have the same point of view. The KKK made a mockery of the Confederate flag and led people to believe that 'every white person from the South is like the KKK'. I think this billboard has the potential to do more harm than good."

Some were unsure how to feel about the sign.

"I thought I had to be seeing things. Nope, it's there. This has to be ironic to say the least," tweeted Jackson's David Knight on Monday.

Some understood the point, but were still unsure if it would take in Mississippi's social climate.

"I understand the message, I think it's a great one too. But will everyone? Probably not," said David Lawrence of Crystal Springs.

"I think I understand the message now. And if it's what I think, I say that it's about time!!" said Frank Spell.

The email says the two seemingly divergent symbols should force people to rethink their pre-conceptions of both.

"There are those who would claim sole ownership of these symbols and those who would wish them gone, but we are all as Mississippians connected to both of them," the email reads. "There are wounds in Mississippi that have not healed and this billboard we hope to use as a way to bring communities together for a long overdue talk about those wounds and that connectivity."

This is a developing story. We will update as more information becomes available.