After 2 years of deliberation, school officials from South Point High School have finally landed on what will be their new mascot from here on out. The South Point Pilgrims.
Since the school's establishment in 1964, school spirit has filled the air in this Belmont community. What began as Belmont High School, adopted its present name in 1969 after it merged with Cramerton High School and Reid High School. Belmont residents say that the South Point community has always been "close-knit" and has always strived to preserve what brings them together - the beloved mascot, Red Raider.
The Red Raider mascot is a depiction of a Native American warrior. The character in the image sports red skin, wears a headdress, and is positioned looking at the opposing team straight in the face. Many Belmont residents have been hoping that school officials will bypass the complaints, keeping the mascot.
What has been a beloved figure of South Point High School for almost the last 60 years has been subject to controversy. Many who once sported the figure now say it is racially insensitive and should now changed to something else. Members from a local organization have joined with alumni, students, teachers, community members, and Native leaders working to retire South Point High School’s offensive Red Raider mascot.
Since the 19th century, "red" was most commonly a reference a racial slur that derived from murdered and scalped Native people. The “Raider” reference comes from inaccurate stereotypes of Native Americans as violent and aggressive attackers, which the group claims is egregiously inaccurate.
Many alumnus would disagree. Supporters of the image say it is derived from soldiers who rubbed red clay on their faces during the Battle of Kings Mountain or adopted from the Colgate University mascot, which was formerly named the Red Raider before being recognized as racially insensitive in 2001.
After unanimous vote between the school board and South Point township, officials have finally given in decided to change the school's mascot to what they hope will finally be a resolution to the ongoing protest: The Pilgrim.
"We wanted to give a fresh start to this whole mascot ordeal", stated school board member Terry Greene. "Hopefully this will be the end of it all. We are really ready as a school to just move on from all of this", he continued.
Not many are happy about the new mascot, including community member Tommy McGillicuddy. "Ain't nothing racist about no Indian. We're using it for something good, but nowadays you get punished for that. I'm taking my grandkids out of South Point and transferring them to Stuart Cramer. Better school anyways", he stated.
Long time school cafeteria worker JoAnne Deal said, "I know people don't like the new name, but I think it's okay. It reminds me of the first Thanksgiving meal where the Pilgrims and Indians got along real good. So, I think it's a step in the right direction".
Gastonia News Now has also obtained an image that will most likely be the new SPHS football helmet design for the upcoming fall season.
This story is still in development. Continue to check out Gastonia News Now for more of the latest Gastonia and Gaston County news.
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