Clyburn in support of ACC tourney despite NAACP boycott

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - For almost a decade now, the state NAACP has boycotted any tourism activities coming to the Palmetto State because of the Confederate Flag flying in front of the State House.

But the local chapter in Myrtle Beach as well as Congressman James Clyburn are in support of The ACC Tournament bringing its fans and dollars to the Grand Strand.

The ACC is set to play ball in May 2011.

On the state NAACP's website, the call for an economic ban says this:

"The national NAACP shall apply these economic sanctions against the state of South Carolina as well as any further measures as appropriate, commencing January 1, 2000, until such time that the Confederate battle flag is no longer displayed in positions of sovereignty in the state of South Carolina."

A stance the group maintains despite support of the event from Congressman Clyburn.

"I hold two fully paid life memberships to the NAACP. I am where I am because of the NAACP. I was president of my youth chapter at the age of 12. I give no ground to anybody when it comes to support of the NAACP," said Clyburn.

Clyburn wouldn't comment on the state's stance on the ACC tourny, but said the fight to remove the flag isn't over. "It's not a dead issue. The Confederate flag can never be a dead issue," he said.

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