The state chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has organized the King Day at the Dome rally since 2000.
(AP) -- Speakers at the annual King Day at the Dome rally say the Confederate flag must be removed from Statehouse grounds.
More than 1,000 people gathered Monday between the Statehouse steps and the Confederate Soldier Monument where the flag has flown since 2000.
North Carolina NAACP president, the Rev. William Barber, repeatedly shouted "take down that flag" to rounds of applause.
He said when South Carolinians are disrespected, people in North Carolina and around the country are also disrespected.
The flag was moved from atop the Statehouse dome in 2000.
Sons of Confederate Veterans division commander Mark Simpson says the soldier's flag is at a place that honors their ancestors who fought and died, and the group will continue to defend it.
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Earlier story - SC NAACP holding annual King Day at the Dome
The Confederate flag and events marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War are among issues to be addressed at the annual King Day at the Dome rally.
The event Monday will feature South Carolina NAACP president Lonnie Randolph. North Carolina NAACP president William Barber led a prayer service before attendees marched to the Statehouse.
Randolph says he will denounce the celebratory tone of some Civil War anniversary events.
The state chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has organized the rally since 2000.
That year, 50,000 people called for the Confederate flag to be removed from atop the Statehouse dome.
Lawmakers approved moving the flag that year to the Confederate Soldier Monument on Statehouse grounds.
(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
