Local billboards of Charlie Kirk are sparking controversy on the Parish Plug social media page.
Since the passing of Kirk, Republican activist and CEO of Turning Point USA, on Sept. 10, billboards have emerged locally promoting his vigil. The depictions range from static billboards to LED signs, like the video clip shown here of Morgan City’s seawall.
Community Members Share Their Views
The promotions have elicited online debates from multiple people of differing political spectrums.
The Parish Plug published an article on Sept. 19 titled “A Sign at the Seawall, A Debate Across the City” which dove deeper into public response to the vigil. The post brought people together but also brought discourse on the subject.
“What the sign says about Morgan City? Honestly, I don’t know,” one Facebook user commented. “To me, it raises bigger questions about what the laws and boundaries are for displays on the seawall, and who gets to decide what represents us in such a visible spot.”
Other people have called out the sign as “disrespectful” or “supporting racism.”
However, other Facebook users combatted the idea of the sign being racist and saying, “Bottom line: if this sign is truly racist, show the evidence. Otherwise, it’s just a name on a board.”
The signage in Morgan City is one of several vigils in nearby Louisiana communities commemorating Kirk.
On Sunday, Sept. 28, at 4 p.m., a group of individuals are holding an event titled “Charlie Kirk Vigil” at the Houma Municipal Auditorium. The event, as of now on Facebook Events, has 32 people scheduled to attend and 125 interested.
Mourning and Division Across the Nation
The events and vigils for Kirk span across the country.
President Donald Trump and conservative figures spoke to tens of thousands of people on Sept. 21 during Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona.
Attendees saw Kirk’s wife, Erika Kirk, speak on the death of her husband. She shared that she has forgiven the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
“I forgive him because it was what Christ did and what Charlie would do,” Erika Kirk said, per Fox News. “The answer to hate is not hate. The answer we know from the Gospel is love.”
President Trump ended the ceremony with multiple remarks, including eulogizing Kirk, celebrating his political accomplishments, and calling out his perceived rivals.
“That’s where I disagreed with Charlie,” Trump said, according to PBS. “I hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry.”
Whether seen as a tribute or a trigger, the billboard signs have made one thing clear.
Charlie Kirk’s life continues to stir conversations far beyond the national stage —right down to the seawalls of Morgan City.
