Expressing support for designating January 19 as Confederate Freedom Day.
By endorsing the establishment of Confederate Freedom Day, HCR36 aims to promote a new narrative surrounding Texas’s civil rights history. This new observance seeks to symbolize the state's commitment to the principles of liberty and equality while also addressing the ongoing impacts of institutional racism. Supporters believe that such a change in commemoration will serve to unite Texans in recognizing the importance of civil rights and equality, rather than celebrating a controversial past that glorifies figures who fought to perpetuate slavery.
HCR36 is a concurrent resolution that expresses support for designating January 19 as Confederate Freedom Day in Texas. The resolution references June 19, 1865, the day Union General Gordon Granger announced the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas, which marks a significant historical moment in the fight against slavery. The resolution asserts that while physical chains have been broken, mental shackles stemming from racist ideologies persist in society. Therefore, it argues for a reevaluation of how Texas commemorates its history, specifically calling for the replacement of Confederate Heroes Day—a holiday that honors figures associated with the Confederacy—with a day that recognizes freedom and equality for all Texans.
The main point of contention surrounding HCR36 lies in its challenge to existing state holidays that commemorate Confederate figures. Current observances like Confederate Heroes Day have faced significant opposition; critics argue these celebrations glorify a painful and discriminatory history. Proponents of HCR36 advocate for a more inclusive holiday that reflects contemporary values of equality and justice. This proposal speaks to broader discussions within Texas and across the United States regarding the legacy of the Confederacy and the symbols that represent it, as well as the need for a more truthful representation of history.