A new proposed bill could separate Robert E. Lee Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day as both are celebrated on January 15 in Mississippi. 

Mississippi's racist history makes the commemoration of Confederate general Robert E. Lee unsurprising, however, it's still a slap in the face to black Mississippians. 

According to WTVA, Mississippi and Alabama are the only two states that honor the men on the same day. Thankfully, one Golden Triangle state representative has proposed a bill to separate the two holidays in Mississippi and to commemorate the confederate general on January 15 instead. Unfortunately, this doesn't include abolishing the holiday altogether. 

Senate Representative Kabir Karriem proposed a bill that would move Robert E. Lee’s state holiday to his actual birthday on January 19. 

“I don’t think it’s proper for us to force folks to have to choose who they should honor that day,” said Karriem. “It’s really a slap in the face, not only to African American’s but, the progression of this state and country.”

A slap in the face, indeed. Moreover, most people don't even know that Robert E. Lee Day is a thing, so why is there even a need to honor a man who didn't even win the war?

“It’s just one more way we are dividing our country. It’s not about diversity but being Americans,” Kelly Guthrie of Fulton, Miss. said. ‘I didn’t even know we celebrated Robert E. Lee day.”

“The kids get out of school for Martin Luther King Day," a surprised Vincent Patrick of Tupelo, Miss. added. "I've never heard anything about Robert E. Lee day." 

dr. martin luther king jrGeneral Robert E. LeeMississippi