local
Why most Black Americans say they never fly the American flag, according to a new AP-NORC poll
By Corey Williams, Linley Sanders And Simran Parwani, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 30, 2026
· 6 min read
Jerry Esters proudly displays the American flag each day on his Detroit home. A few miles away, Yvonne Pistochini says there is no scenario under which she would allow the Stars and Stripes to cast its shadow where she lives.Both are Black.For Esters, the flag represents the opportunities that al...
Key takeaway Americans' views of “Old Glory” are divided by politics, age and race, according to a new survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research ahead of the nation's 250th birthday celebration.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , where diversity and cultural heritage are deeply ingrained, the debate over the American flag's symbolism may resonate differently. The city's own history of segregation and discrimination may influence how its residents, particularly those in communities of color, perceive the flag. As the survey suggests, Black Americans are more likely to see the flag as a symbol of both inclusion and exclusion, and this dichotomy may be particularly pronounced in a city like San Antonio, where the legacy of segregation still lingers. The fact that older white Americans, especially Republicans, are more likely to view the flag as unifying may contrast with the experiences of San Antonio's younger, more diverse population, who may be more likely to question the flag's symbolism. As San Antonio celebrates its own cultural heritage and navigates its complex history, the flag's meaning may be subject to varying interpretations, reflecting the city's unique blend of cultures and perspectives.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
Get more The San Antonio stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Jerry Esters proudly displays the American flag each day on his Detroit home. A few miles away, Yvonne Pistochini says there is no scenario under which she would allow the Stars and Stripes to cast its shadow where she lives.Both are Black.For Esters, the flag represents the opportunities that al...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Corey Williams, Linley Sanders And Simran Parwani, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter