Mississippi House Bill HC12

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/23
• Refer: 1/13/23
• Failed: 4/1/23

Caption

Senator Hiram Revel and Fannie Lou Hamer; request the joint committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of the statues of James Zachariah George and Jefferson Davis with statues of.

Impact

If approved, this measure would signify a significant shift in how Mississippi chooses to represent its history at the national level. The current statues of George and Davis, both tied to the Confederacy and its legacy, do not align with the inclusive representation sought by proponents of the bill. Replacing them with statues of Hamer and Revels would not only honor the contributions of African Americans to the state and the nation but also send a powerful message about the values of equality and justice in contemporary society. There is an implication that such a change could inspire further similar revisions in other states, marking a broader trend towards inclusivity.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 12 (HC12) is a legislative measure introduced in the Mississippi Legislature that formally requests the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of statues in the United States Capitol. Specifically, the bill seeks to replace the statues of James Zachariah George and Jefferson Davis with representations of two prominent civil rights figures from the state, Fannie Lou Hamer and Hiram Rhodes Revels. The resolution is rooted in a desire to reflect more accurately the diverse and evolving history of Mississippi, particularly in recognizing its role in the civil rights movement.

Contention

The resolution, while broadly framed as an effort to embrace a more inclusive state identity, may still face opposition, particularly from those who view the existing statues as integral to Mississippi's historical narrative. Critics may argue that removing the statues overlooks a complex past and fails to acknowledge the historical significance of the individuals represented. Additionally, the bill places responsibility on the state to cover the financial costs associated with designing, constructing, and maintaining new statues, which may raise concerns regarding budget allocations and priorities. The discussions surrounding HC12 reflect an evolving dialogue about representation, memory, and the meanings we assign to public art within the context of historical injustices.