Mississippi Certifies the Thirteenth Amendment

February 7th, 2013

February 7th, 2013

Mississippi Certifies the Thirteenth Amendment
How Long Ago?

12 years, 1 month, 7 days ago

Location

Jackson, Mississippi, United States

Category

Politics & Government

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Mississippi Certifies the Thirteenth Amendment

Mississippi officially certified the Thirteenth Amendment, making it the last state to approve the abolition of slavery in the United States. This certification came decades after the amendment was ratified nationwide in 1865 and was formalized as part of a clerical oversight correction process. The state legislature, during a session, voted to accept the amendment, concluding a long historical journey towards the formal recognition of freedom for all Americans.

Mississippi ratified the Thirteenth Amendment in 1995.

State legislature voted in favor of the amendment formalization.

This marked the last state to officially approve abolition.

The ratification process revealed previous clerical oversights.

What Happened?

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery, was formally ratified by Mississippi in 1995. This certification came to light years later, revealing that the state had never officially completed the paperwork needed to finalize the ratification process. The issue resurfaced when it became evident that there was a lack of proper documentation for the amendment's approval during the Reconstruction era. On February 7, 2013, after years of advocacy, Mississippi's legislature gathered to officially acknowledge the amendment.

This legislative session saw discussions around the historical implications, and voting directly addressed this long-standing oversight. The bill was passed with significant bipartisan support, reflecting a shared acknowledgment of the amendment's importance in American history. Mississippi's ratification, while seemingly late, symbolized a progressive step in rectifying past mistakes.

The act of certifying the Thirteenth Amendment was significant as it marked the final state to ratify the abolition of slavery, highlighting the enduring impact of this constitutional change. It signaled a commitment to the principles of freedom and equality stipulated in the amendment and served as a reminder of the state’s complicated historical relationship with slavery and civil rights.

Why Does it Matter?

This event is interesting because it highlights the complexities of the legislative process and the importance of record-keeping in history. Mississippi's late certification emphasizes the long-term ramifications of slavery in American society and marks a significant step towards fully rectifying its legacy. The action acknowledged that even in the contemporary era, remnants of America's historical injustices need to be addressed systematically and officially.

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