As you know, the third Monday of January is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federally observed day celebrating the iconic civil rights activist's birthday.
However, you may not know that in some states, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s holiday is also a holiday honoring Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
General Lee's actual birthday is January 19, and is usually observed on that day, if at all, given that he helped to lead the rebellion against the United States.
In Mississippi and Alabama, however, Robert E. Lee Day is celebrated by law on the same day as Martin Luther King Day.
According to the Clarion Ledger, that could change soon. State Representative Kabir Karriem (D-Columbus) has introduced a bill that would move celebrations of Lee's birthday to the fourth Monday in January, instead.
"It's always the right time to do the right thing and I think separating the holidays is long overdue," said Karriem. "Both men had impacts on history, but I don't think it serves the public well in this country to honor both men on the same day."
"It's pretty straight forward," said Representative Cheikh Taylor (D-Starkville), a co-sponsor of the bill. "I respect the history and heritage of both men, but I want to make it clear: one of these men was for the Union and civil rights. The other was not. It seems obvious the holidays should be separated."
On the Senate side, Democratic senator Derrick Simmons (D-Greenville) made his stance on the issue clear. "It's really offensive to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and what he stood for with what Robert E. Lee stood for," Simmons said.
Simmons and fellow Democratic senator Sollie Norwood (D-Jackson) plan to introduce a bill similar to Karriem's to the Senate.
According to The Columbus Dispatch, Karriem believes he can find Republican support for his bill as well. "I don't want this to be divisive," he said, "Even though I have strong feeling about both holidays."
The representative hopes to work with the chairman of the House Rules Committee, Jason White (R-West) to get the legislation passed.
"I want to talk to the chairman, have a sit-down with him and discuss how we can move this forward," Karriem said. "I know there has been some talk before of separating the holidays, but I don't think it was given the consideration it deserves. Hopefully, we've made enough progress in our state where we can do this. Like I said, it's long overdue."
