PELHAM, Ga. (WALB) — A Pelham city council member is apologizing after a viral social media video criticizing a Confederate-related ceremony sparked controversy in the community.

Councilman Fredrick Davis posted a live video reacting to a ceremony held Feb. 28 at a cemetery on Cemetery Road. During the livestream, Davis criticized members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy after Confederate flags were placed at gravesites.

However, the video quickly spread online after Davis used a derogatory term while referring to members of the group.

Davis addresses the language, his job loss

In an interview with WALB, Davis acknowledged what he said and apologized for the language he used.

“I shouldn’t have used the term,” Davis said, adding that while he stands by his concerns about the event, the wording he chose was wrong.

Davis said his frustration stemmed from the location of the ceremony and the historical meaning Confederate symbols carry for many Black residents. He said he believes it was inappropriate for the ceremony and Confederate flags to be placed in what he described as a predominantly Black neighborhood, citing the history of the Confederacy and its impact on Black Americans.

Davis also confirmed he is no longer working with Pelham City Schools following the video. He previously worked as a paraprofessional connected with the school system through the staffing company Kelly Services.

“It was a couple things said in that video that’s unbecoming of a pastor,” Davis said. “I felt that that video would be counterproductive in my stance on equality.”

Davis said he posted an apology on Facebook shortly after the video circulated.

“You have to pay for your mistakes,” he said. “And this one just cost me enough.”

Davis says he will continue to speak out

Despite the controversy, Davis said he still plans to speak out if issues involving racism arise in the city.

“If anything racial or racist happens again in the city, I’ll still be front and center fighting against it,” Davis said.

Davis said he believes Confederate paraphernalia, including the uniforms worn at the Feb. 28 ceremony, should be kept in museums rather than displayed publicly. He also described the United Daughters of the Confederacy as a racist organization and said members fired a four-gun salute with shotguns during the ceremony.

“In the words of Dr. King, I choose love,” Davis said. “Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

City of Pelham responds

The city of Pelham released a statement addressing the situation. City officials said they were aware of the livestream that circulated following the Feb. 28 event but emphasized the ceremony was not organized by the city.

“The ceremony that took place was organized by the property owners and the city was not involved in planning or conducting the event,” the statement said.

City leaders also noted that comments made in the livestream were made by an elected official speaking in his personal capacity.

“They do not represent the official position of the City of Pelham, the city council as a governing body, or city staff,” the statement said. “We remain focused on serving the entire community and continuing the day-to-day work of the city.”

United Daughters of the Confederacy responds

A United Daughters of the Confederacy spokesperson told WALB the group did not violate any city ordinances by holding the ceremony at the cemetery and that everyone in the United States has a right to their own opinions

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