In an unfortunate, yet expected turn of events, Mississippi claims its throne in the race to be the most racist state in America.

The governor of Mississippi, Phil Bryant, signed a proclamation that made April “Confederate Heritage Month.” This is also the state that stirred a large debate around removing the Confederate battle emblem from their state flag.

The proclamation was signed on February 10, 2016, but does not appear on the official state website. The proclamation was, however, posted on the Sons of Confederate Veterans’ website. That particular group advocated to leave the Mississippi flag the way it was.

“It is important for all Americans to reflect upon our nation’s past, to gain insight from our mistakes and successes, and to come to a full understanding that the lessons learned yesterday and today will carry us through tomorrow if we carefully and earnestly strive to understand and appreciate our heritage and our opportunities which lie before us,” the proclamation states.

Removing the Confederate battle flag through the Southern states in America became a large issue after nine people were murdered at Emanuel AME in Charleston, S.C. in June 2015.

The state newspaper stated that Bryant’s office confirmed that the governor had issued the proclamation.

“Like his predecessors—both Republican and Democrat—who issued similar proclamations, Gov. Bryant believes Mississippi’s history deserves study and reflection, no matter how unpleasant or complicated parts of it may be,” said Bryant’s spokesman Clay Chandler. “Like the proclamation says, gaining insight from our mistakes and successes will help us move forward.”

This is a scary time to be alive, wouldn’t you agree?

(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)