Mississippi House Bill HC7

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/24
• Refer: 1/22/24
• Failed: 5/14/24

Caption

B.B. King or Elvis Presley; request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of Jefferson Davis with either.

Impact

This resolution, if supported by the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress, would initiate significant changes to the state’s representation in a prominent national context. The inclusion of statues of B.B. King or Elvis Presley would reflect a progressive step towards honoring figures who represent the cultural diversity and musical legacy that the state is proud of. This potential shift also highlights Mississippi's aspiration to honor those who symbolize unity and progress, moving away from figures associated with a divisive past.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 7 (HC7) proposes the formal request for the replacement of the statue of Jefferson Davis in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol with either a statue of B.B. King or Elvis Presley. The resolution emphasizes Mississippi's rich musical heritage and the significance these two icons hold in representing not only the state but also its evolution in terms of cultural representation and recognition of diversity. Historically, Jefferson Davis, while a notable figure, is increasingly viewed as not resonating with the contemporary values and identity of Mississippi.

Contention

Notably, the proposal seeks to create a commission made up of Mississippi artisans and artists to solicit contributions for creating the new statue—a move towards greater community involvement in celebrating state identity. The request is framed in the context of social inclusion and a reflection of the entirety of Mississippi’s diverse citizenry. While the bill clearly has supporters who see it as a positive evolution in public representation, there could be opposition from those who favor traditional historical figures and resist changes to established monuments.