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SRES 92119th CongressIntroduced
A resolution designating February 16, 2025, as "National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day".
Introduced: Feb 24, 2025
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs
This resolution designates February 16, 2025, as "National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day" to honor the Tlingit civil rights leader and her historic contributions to American equality. Elizabeth Peratrovich was instrumental in securing passage of Alaska's Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945—the first anti-discrimination law in United States history. The resolution recognizes her tireless advocacy for Alaska Native rights and calls on Americans to remember her legacy and continue working toward equality for Alaska Natives and Native Americans.
Key Points
- 1Historic Achievement: The Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, passed on February 16, 1945, was the first anti-discrimination law enacted in U.S. history, predating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by nearly two decades.
- 2Elizabeth's Background: Born in 1911 in Petersburg, Alaska, Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich was a member of the Tlingit nation (Lukaax.adi clan) who personally experienced discrimination and dedicated her life to fighting for equality.
- 3Advocacy Work: Elizabeth traveled extensively across Alaska Territory, rallying Alaska Natives and working with organizations like the Alaska Native Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood to build support for anti-discrimination legislation.
- 4Legislative Impact: Her powerful testimony before the Alaska Territorial Legislature helped persuade lawmakers to pass groundbreaking civil rights protections, establishing a national precedent for anti-discrimination law.
- 5Ongoing Recognition: Alaska has officially recognized February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day since 1988, and the U.S. Mint honored her with a commemorative $1 coin in 2020.
Impact Areas
Alaska Native and Native American Communities: Recognizes and honors the civil rights contributions of Indigenous peoples and encourages continued efforts toward equality.Civil Rights History: Highlights an often-overlooked chapter of American civil rights history and the pioneering role Alaska played in anti-discrimination legislation.National Observance: Establishes a federal day of recognition that encourages all Americans to reflect on civil rights advocacy and equality.
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