Tommy’s BBQ Speaks Up on Flaggs Incident

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Tommy Hughes, owner of Tommy’s BBQ, is speaking out about a recent incident involving Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs.

Last Friday, Tommy’s BBQ hosted a ribbon-cutting event with the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce. Mayor Flaggs arrived at the event but left before it officially began.

Shortly afterward, Simmie Brooks, who was not present at the ribbon-cutting event, made a post on social media alleging that Flaggs had been turned away from the event. The post read:

Thos the type of Behavior that we cant tolerate in our community i will no longer eat nor support this type of Stupidity…

Tommy’s BBQ on 61 N wouldn’t let Mayor Flaggs in to do the ribbon cutting earlier today for the grand opening. He told George he was not good for people and he was not welcome at his business as he blocked the door to keep him from coming in. That takes me back to the time when the governor of AL George Wallace blocked doors of Univ. of AL during segregation when he said segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever. I will not be going there anymore. If it is not good enough for the Mayor of the city, it is not good enough for me. These white people are getting bold and trying to push us back!

Owner’s Response

Tommy’s BBQ operates in the county and had a second year anniversary and a ribbon cutting that was planned to have only one public official attending and speaking–County Supervisor Barfield.

To everyone who called me a racist,  to everyone who asked for Tommy’s BBQ to be boycotted, to the person who wrote the statement that was posted, and the person who posted the two pictures of George Wallace on the ground shot.

When the last moment of reflection is upon me, I will be at peace.  I understand the choices I make are everlasting.  I have no hate towards anyone.  I love and I am loved.

Over time you will learn about me–who I am and what I stand for.

I tell my employees:  I can lose money, but I cannot lose my reputation.  Usually, this conversation is to a young man that I am trying to teach the importance of consistency of the product and the interaction with customers.

But today, I write it here–to you.  My reputation is damaged.  Forever, Tommy’s BBQ will have this narrative attached to it.  Tommy Hughes is a Racist.  

Where are the pictures of this interaction with my Mayor George Flaggs being embarrassed?

Where is the video of a door being blocked?

The reason there are no pictures or videos of this event is because it didn’t  happen.  It was a private conversation between me and Mayor George Flaggs in the parking lot outside my business, outside the city limits in the county.  Guests were inside.

Who provided the statement against Tommy’s BBQ  that was posted?

I see who wrote the first sentence of the post, but who wrote the statement?

When I saw Mayor George Flaggs walk around the back of his SUV that was parked–parallel to the highway, I immediately walked outside to meet him with my hand outstretched and we shook hands and I greeted him.  We had a conversation in my parking lot.  It was professional.  My words were measured.  I never asked Mayor George Flaggs to leave.  No less than 3 times while we were speaking he graciously said he would leave.

I explained to Mayor George Flaggs why I did not want him to speak and as I finished my sentence he was turning away as he said the last time–I can leave.  He walked towards his SUV.  I walked towards the front door–to go back inside.  Neither of us made it awkward.

I became aware of an issue with Mayor Flaggs when I read an article in the Vicksburg Post about tickets that had been purchased by the city for an event that Monsieur initially took issue with.

The next day–I believe, Monsieur changed his vote.  I found this odd.  I wanted to know more.

I attended the Vision of Vicksburg meeting with no intention to speak, but to see what Mayor Flaggs’  Vision was for the city–where I live, and if I could help.  And, I wanted clarity on the tickets.

Based on the Vision of Vicksburg, I became extremely concerned that Vicksburg was being managed and represented by Mayor Flaggs.  I cannot interact with Mayor Flaggs except at an official meeting where I am representing myself as a citizen of Vicksburg asking questions for the purpose of holding Mayor Flaggs accountable.  That will be the extent of our relationship.

Please watch the video that belongs to the City of Vicksburg and then cast judgement on me:  Tommy Hughes The Racist?  Or, Tommy Hughes The Concerned Citizen?

Sincerely, 
Tommy Hughes

The Vicksburg Daily News reached out to Mayor Flaggs on two occasions Tuesday for comment. As of the time of publication, the mayor has not responded.