# National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day

This resolution designates February 16, 2025, as "National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day" to honor the legacy of an important civil rights leader. Elizabeth Peratrovich was a Tlingit Alaska Native who fought against racial discrimination in Alaska during the 1940s. She's best known for her powerful testimony before the Alaska Legislature in 1945 that helped lead to the passage of Alaska's anti-discrimination law—making it one of the first civil rights protections in the United States, even before the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The resolution is essentially a formal recognition from Congress. It doesn't create any new laws or programs, and it doesn't require anyone to do anything specific. Instead, it's a way for the federal government to officially acknowledge Peratrovich's contributions to civil rights and encourage Americans to remember her work. The date chosen, February 16, is significant because it marks the anniversary of her historic testimony that changed Alaska's laws.

This type of designation is largely symbolic but meaningful. It gives people a specific day to learn about and celebrate an important historical figure whose efforts helped protect people from discrimination. Schools, organizations, and communities can use this day to educate others about Peratrovich's courage and the ongoing fight for equal rights. For Alaska Natives and Indigenous communities especially, it represents federal recognition of their history and contributions to American civil rights.

A resolution designating February 16, 2025, as "National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day".

Sullivan, Dan

<p>This resolution designates February 16, 2025, as National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. It also encourages the people of the United States and Members of Congress to commemorate the life and civil rights advocacy of Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich by continuing the important work of ensuring equality for Alaska Natives and Native Americans.</p>