Elizabeth Peratrovich Day 2024 (US): February 16 is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, an occasion to pay tribute to the American activist Elizabeth Peratrovich, who ushered in a new era in Alaskan racial relations. As a result of her lifetime of advocacy for equal rights for Native Alaskans, Alaskans gather annually on February 16 to honor this legend. Although this day does not qualify as a national holiday in the United States, certain establishments, stores, and businesses in Alaska observe it by closing.
The History of Elizabeth Peratronich Day
Peratrovich, who was born in Alaska as a member of the Lukaax clan of the Tlingit people (also rendered Tlinkit), was immediately subjected to discrimination. The inception of her activism vocation occurred at this juncture.
Eight years after wedlock with fellow activist Roy Peratrovich in 1933, she and her family relocated to Juneau, Alaska, in pursuit of improved connections with legislators who might be able to assist them in effecting community change. There, the couple encountered identical discrimination; in fact, their attempt to purchase a home was met with denial due to their ethnic identity. In December of the same year they relocated, the couple observed an inn’s entrance bearing the inscription “No Natives Allowed.” This enraged them to the point where they demanded action. They informed Alaskan Governor Ernest H. Gruening in a letter that during World War II, native boys fought alongside European boys to defend the freedom that the latter enjoyed.
Peratrovich’s campaign to enact an anti-discriminatory bill was initiated with this letter. She advanced the bill in the House with the backing of Governor Gruening; however, it was unsuccessful due to a tie vote in 1943. Nevertheless, undeterred, Peratrovich and her spouse traversed the entirety of Alaska while pleading with Native Americans to participate in their conflict.
Years of effort culminated in the introduction of a second anti-discrimination measure to the Alaska Senate in 1945. When an opponent inquired as to who these “barely out of savagery” individuals who desired to associate with civilizations that had existed for millennia were, Peratrovich provided a straightforward response. She rose to her feet and stated, “I never would have imagined that I, who am barely past the threshold of barbarism, would be required to remind these gentlemen of our Bill of Rights in a society with 5,000 years of documented history.” Furthermore, she contended that this legislation would formally acknowledge the issue of racial discrimination and demonstrate a determination to surmount it. Statewide, her impassioned appeal was greeted with resounding approval and thunderous ovations. The passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 was arguably the crowning achievement.
She maintained employment until her demise on April 27, at the age of 47. Beside her spouse, she was interred in Juneau’s Evergreen Cemetery beneath the shelter of a Sitka spruce. A groundskeeper grants visitors access to this gravesite annually on this date so they may pay their condolences.
Governor Steve Cowper of Alaska proclaimed April 21 Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in 1988 to commemorate her arduous efforts in advancing racial equality in the state. In observance of the day the Anti-Discrimination Act was signed into law, the commemoration date was subsequently moved to February 16.
Alaskans observe her memory on this date annually by revisiting her works and paying a visit to her grave. She is commemorated with parks and public monuments bearing her name, and she holds a special place in the hearts of all.
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FAQs for Elizabeth Peretrochich Day
What is Civil Rights Day in Alaska?
The Alaska legislature proclaimed February 16 Elizabeth Peratrovich Day/Alaska Civil Rights Day, according to the Native Voices website.
What action did Elizabeth Peratrovich take?
Peratrovich, her spouse, and a few others were instrumental in the 1945 Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act movement. This paved the way for subsequent actions and was the first law of its kind to be implemented nationwide.
Does Elizabeth Peratrovich continue to reside?
1958 saw the demise of Peratrovich, who had been afflicted with cancer. The age of the individual at the time was 47 years.
Elizabeth Peratrovich Day 2024 (US) Activities
Literature concerning this legend
An abundance of scholarly articles, papers, and books have been devoted to the life of Elizabeth Peratrovich. Explore pertinent ebooks and other materials online, or revert to traditional methods and consult a library or local bookstore to procure a book about her.
Gain further knowledge about her.
“For the Rights of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska,” a 2009 documentary, and an episode of the “She’s History” podcast curated by filmmaker Laura Boersma, both of which feature our protagonist, are both available for your perusal.
Exploration of Peratrovich’s existence
The work and life of Peratrovich and her family have been meticulously preserved by the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian. Furthermore, visitors to this vicinity will also find a Peratrovich Gallery within the Alaska House of Representatives. You may opt for in-person excursions or inquire whether these locations also provide virtual tours.
Five fascinating details regarding Elizabeth Peretrovich and her work
Creating history in multiple ways
Since the nineteenth century, Alaska has been the first U.S. state to abolish ethnic discrimination with the passage of the Anti-Discriminatory Act of 1945.
Continuing the family legacy
In keeping with the family heritage, Elizabeth’s sons succeeded their mother; older son Roy Jr. conceptualized Juneau’s Brotherhood Bridge, which was formally named in honor of the Alaskan Native Brotherhood; and younger son Frank held the position of Tribal Operations Officer at the Juneau Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Taking knitting to work
Peratrovich, who knitted while attending legislative sessions, continued to do so even during her illustrious 1945 House address.
Her address was universally praised.
“The Daily Alaska Empire” lauded Elizabeth’s 1945 address to the Alaska Senate, describing it as the “most eloquent performance” that “induced a defensive whisper” from the opposition.
Peratrovich took pleasure in grappling.
As a renowned professional wrestler, Gorgeous George was well-versed in every move of the sport. During his performances, she would even scream at the television screen.
ELIZABETH PERATROVICH DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | February 16 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 16 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 16 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 16 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 16 | Wednesday |
