The NAACP may decide today whether the group will boycott Mississippi over a Confederate symbol in the state’s flag.

NAACP national president Kweisi Mfume will be in Jackson today to discuss the matter with several state elected officials and leaders.

The question is really a matter of what’s the most effective way to change the minds of those people who don’t seem to care how offensive the flag may be to some people.

In the past NAACP boycotts have proven highly effective in some situations. And although its power has waned somewhat in recent years, the group still holds a considerable amount of national power and trust.

However in this situation, attempting to use political force to change the flag won’t likely work.

While an economic boycott might severely hurt some business people in our state, it won’t change the minds which need changing.

Trying to force hard-headed minds to change is a bit like trying to stop the Mississippi River – nearly impossible.

And, unfortunately, if the NAACP decides to move ahead with a boycott, all of Mississippi’s residents – whether their skin is black, white or somewhere in between – could be hurt in the process.

Such a move will only stand to further divide Mississippi’s residents and keep the flag issue an emotional battle.

The flag will change – eventually. But if the past is any indication of the future, such changes will take time.