Mississippi House Bill HB490

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23
• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Civil Rights Memorial Day; designate the last Monday of April as.

Impact

By designating the last Monday of April as a legal holiday alongside Confederate Memorial Day, HB490 reflects a commitment to memorializing both the struggles and triumphs related to civil rights in Mississippi. The dual designation may prompt community discussions and events aimed at promoting awareness of civil rights history, fostering reflection on past injustices, and acknowledging progress made. This change is part of a broader effort to honor diverse historical narratives within the state's official observances.

Summary

House Bill 490 amends Section 3-3-7 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 to designate the last Monday of April as 'Civil Rights Memorial Day.' This addition seeks to acknowledge the significance of civil rights movements and the contributions of civil rights activists in the state. The bill aims to enhance the observance of civil rights history by integrating it into the calendar of recognized state holidays.

Contention

While the bill promotes recognition of civil rights, it could also raise contentious discussions related to the existing designation of Confederate Memorial Day. There may be differing opinions on the appropriateness of acknowledging both commemorations on the same day, as some may view this as perpetuating harmful narratives associated with the Confederacy. This juxtaposition may lead to ongoing debates about how best to honor the complex and often painful history surrounding these issues in Mississippi.