The U.S. is set to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the federal holiday set aside to honor the life of the civil rights icon. But in two states, Monday is also Robert E.

Summary

Alabama and Mississippi commemorate Robert E. Lee Day alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the same day, reflecting a long-standing juxtaposition of contrasting legacies.

Both states combined these holidays in the 1980s when King’s federal holiday was established. Black lawmakers have since unsuccessfully attempted to separate them.

Critics argue it disrespects King’s civil rights leader legacy to pair his honor with Lee, a Confederate general who fought to preserve slavery and uphold white supremacy.

Other southern states have abolished similar practices, leaving only Alabama and Mississippi with shared celebrations for King and Lee.

  • insufferableninja@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    15·
    9 hours ago

    no no no. Alabama and Mississippi will also honor Robert E. Lee on Martin Luther King Jr. Trump’s inauguration day.

    get that message spread around enough to get to Trump’s attention, quick.

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
      9·
      9 hours ago

      The question is whether or not they’ll celebrate Robert E. Lee Day or Trump Ascension Day now.

      Maybe they’ll do what they did with Washington and Lincoln’s birthday and have a Confederate Generals’ Day.