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Why most Black Americans say they never fly the American flag, according to a new AP-NORC poll
By AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· 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 Detroit
In Detroit, the divide over flying the American flag reflects the city's complex history and ongoing struggles with racial equality. For residents like Jerry Esters, the flag represents a symbol of hard-won opportunities and progress, while for others like Yvonne Pistochini, it serves as a reminder of the country's unfinished business on issues like housing discrimination and social justice. The fact that many Black Americans in Detroit and beyond view the flag with ambivalence or skepticism underscores the need for ongoing conversations about what it means to be patriotic and inclusive. As the city continues to grapple with issues like gentrification and economic development, the flag debate highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing the historical and systemic barriers that have prevented many residents from fully participating in the American dream. By examining the local nuances of this national issue, Detroiters can work towards a more nuanced understanding of what the flag represents and how it can be a symbol of unity and progress for all.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit 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 WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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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 WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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