For years, a handful of Texas lawmakers have tried in vain to pass legislation that would remove or replace the holiday celebrating leaders of the Confederate army.
Texas Scholar Calls for Removal of Confederate Heroes Day By Lakisha Lemons Austin
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AUSTIN, Texas – Confederate Heroes Day is a holiday celebrated in the South to honor confederate soldiers of the Civil War. In Texas, it falls on January 19 and is considered a state holiday.
It’s a day many lawmakers have debated whether to acknowledge or remove from state calendars.
It’s a heated conversation that’s gained even more traction following the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month. During those moments a viral photo was captured of a man holding a Confederate flag inside of the U.S. Capitol.
Black Texas lawmakers hopeful to see Confederate Heroes Day abolished
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Don Gathers stands in front of a statue depicting Robert E. Lee during a racial justice protest in Charlottesville on May 30, 2020. It happened fives days after George Floyd died in police custody on May 25.RYAN M. KELLY/AFP via Getty Images
Texas Democratic lawmakers have long tried to remove Confederate Heroes Day from calendars, and they have high hopes that 2021 could be the year it happens.
The holiday comes just a day after Martin Luther King Jr. Day and simultaneously celebrates Confederate soldiers and Robert E. Lee s birthday. A bill filed in 2019 to abolish the holiday failed, but lawmakers believe the amount of racial unrest last summer could work in their favor this legislative session.
On Tuesday, some Texans will take a paid day off for a state holiday honoring Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and other leaders of the Confederate army.