NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Mississippi's new official state flag has a neat tie to Music City.
The designer, Rocky Vaughan, said he came up with the flag's design years ago when his second child was born.
"I took my sketchbook to pass the time during his delivery and something was happening in the news in Mississippi, I think the Jackson area, that was racially charged, and like clockwork, the flag kept coming up over and over again," Vaughan said.
The design received nearly 70% of the vote in a public state-wide referendum to now become Mississippi's new official state flag.
It was a historic moment for Vaughan as his design will now replace the old confederate state flag that has flown for 126 years.
"I felt compelled since I'm cool with every demographic," said Vaughan.
Vaughan and his wife Ellie now live in the Magnolia State but they first met in Music City. Ellie is a Nashville native.
Vaughan said he spent years as a bar back and musician at Second Fiddle on Broadway. He also worked at Legends Corner for a little bit.
He has always believed in his creative talents but to be part of something this big, he says, is a great honor.
"I'm thankful and grateful," said Vaughan.
The flag has a magnolia blossom in the center of the flag, which is a symbol long-used to represent the state and the hospitality of its residents.
The blossom is surrounded by a ring of 20 stars, symbolizing Mississippi's status as the 20th state to join the US.
