April 25th 2024.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has officially declared that April will be recognized as Confederate Heritage Month in the state, a tradition that has been upheld for over three decades. The proclamation was announced at Beauvoir, the historical home and museum of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and Governor Reeves took to Facebook to share the news on April 12th. In his post, the Governor emphasized the importance of honoring all those who lost their lives in the Civil War, and urged Americans to reflect on our nation's past to gain insight for the future.
The official proclamation, signed by Governor Reeves, states that it is crucial for us to understand and appreciate our heritage and opportunities, and that the lessons learned from the past will guide us towards a better tomorrow. As a result, Governor Reeves has declared the month of April as Confederate Heritage Month for the year 2024. This is not the first time that Governor Reeves has made this declaration, as he has done so for the past four years since 2020. He defended his decision in 2021, citing the fact that both Democratic and Republican governors have previously signed similar proclamations.
Beauvoir, the home and museum of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, is owned and operated by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, an organization that promotes the "Lost Cause" ideology. The state of Mississippi provides $100,000 annually to support the development and upkeep of this historical site. Despite the controversy surrounding this organization and their beliefs, Governor Reeves has continued to support the proclamation of Confederate Heritage Month.
Governor Reeves has faced criticism in the past for his stance on Confederate heritage and symbols. When the state's Confederate-themed flag was removed from state buildings in 2020 after widespread social justice protests, Governor Reeves pledged not to support such efforts. However, he did eventually sign the bill to retire the flag, stating that it was time to turn the page in Mississippi's history. He has also rejected the idea of systemic racism and has been critical of the Black Lives Matter movement, stating that he believes the United States is the greatest nation in the world.
Some leaders, including former Democratic governor Ray Mabus, have spoken out against Governor Reeves' decision to declare Confederate Heritage Month. Mabus pointed out that he did not make the same declaration during his time in office and questioned the idea of honoring a heritage that includes slavery, treason, and defeat. He also criticized the "lost cause" narrative and the attempt to reassert white supremacy through this celebration.
Despite the backlash, Governor Reeves has remained firm in his decision, declaring that he will continue to honor Confederate heritage in Mississippi. The celebration will continue on April 27th with Confederate Memorial Day, as mandated by state law. Although this decision has been met with controversy, Governor Reeves believes that it is important to remember and learn from our history, even if it may be difficult or uncomfortable at times.
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