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.

    • microphone900@lemmy.ml
      7·
      5 hours ago

      Adding on to that: Filled with a bunch of fearful America hating traitors. Afraid of slavery being abolished and hating America for even considering not expanding slavery to the territories in process of becoming states.

      Here’s some fun history: In Maryland and Virginia, reparations were paid by the federal government… to former slave owner for loss of their “property.” “Property” being freed slaves. Those recently freed people got exactly what you think they got. Nothing.