Mississippi House Bill HB1351

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Ross Barnett Reservoir; rename as the "William F. Winter and Fannie Lou Hamer Reservoir."

Impact

The implementation of this bill will not only change the name of an important geographical feature in Mississippi but will also facilitate educational initiatives surrounding the history of its namesakes. The bill mandates the Department of Finance and Administration, in partnership with the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District, to create signage and plaques that highlight the backgrounds and accomplishments of Winter and Hamer. This is intended to educate the public about their contributions to the state.

Summary

House Bill 1351 proposes the renaming of the Ross Barnett Reservoir to the 'William F. Winter and Fannie Lou Hamer Reservoir.' This bill acknowledges the services and contributions of both William F. Winter, a former governor of Mississippi, and Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist. The renaming aims to honor these significant figures in the state's history, reflecting a broader cultural recognition of their impacts on Mississippi's governance and civil rights advancements.

Contention

While the bill primarily serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation, it inevitably prompts discussions about historical recognition, representation, and the importance of remembrance in public spaces. The renaming initiative may attract various opinions, particularly from those who feel that renaming such features should involve broader community engagement or consideration of other figures in local history. Nonetheless, the focus remains on honoring significant individuals who have shaped the trajectory of civil rights and governance in Mississippi.