Mississippi House Bill HC12

Mississippi 2024 Regular Session

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

Caption

Senator Hiram Revels and Fannie Lou Hamer; request joint committee on Library of Congress to approve replacement of current statues with statues of.

Impact

Should HC12 be enacted, it would signify a pivotal shift in the representation of historical figures in the U.S. Capitol, aligning the state's symbols more closely with contemporary values of inclusivity and equality. The proposed change addresses the ongoing dialogue about the legacy of Confederate figures in public spaces and emphasizes the historical significance of African American leaders who have fought for civil rights, thereby enhancing Mississippi's cultural and historical narrative.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 12 (HC12) seeks to formally request the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of the statues of James Zachariah George and Jefferson Davis currently displayed in the National Statuary Hall with statues honoring Fannie Lou Hamer and Senator Hiram Rhodes Revels. This resolution reflects Mississippi's desire to honor its history while embracing the diversity and transformative power of its present and future. The bill emphasizes the importance of recognizing figures representing the civil rights movement to better reflect the state’s identity today.

Contention

The bill may face contention as it challenges long-standing representations of Confederate leaders, which some may view as essential to preserving history. The replacement of these statues with those of Hamer and Revels can ignite debates surrounding the legacy of the Confederacy versus that of civil rights leaders. Advocates for the bill argue it would correct historical imbalances and provide recognition to those who fought for equality, while opposing views may assert that it undermines a complex historical heritage.