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.