Lawmakers Want to Cancel Nathan Bedford Forrest Day

A trio of Democrats wants to nix a state holiday honoring a fellow Democrat: slave trader, Confederate general, KKK leader and, yes, delegate to the 1868 Democratic convention, Nathan Bedford Forrest.

State Rep. London Lamar (D-Memphis) filed legislation this week that would remove Nathan Bedford Forrest Day as a day of special observance in Tennessee. She is joined on the legislation by Democratic Reps. Jason Hodges and Antonio Parkinson.

"While I respect those who want to keep this history alive, those stories belong in museums," Lamar says. "Memorializing those who contribute to Tennessee history through state days should be reserved for those who made positive impacts on our history. ... Nathan Bedford Forrest Day sends the wrong message to millions of Tennesseans that this is the type of person we want to honor."

Governors dating back nearly a century have been required to declare the day of special observation (in addition to Robert E. Lee Day, Abraham Lincoln Day, Andrew Jackson Day, Memorial Day/Confederate Decoration Day and Veterans Day). In 2019, though, first-year Republican Gov. Bill Lee drew national attention when he signed the proclamation.

In addition to criticism from Democrats within the state, Lee was also criticized by Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who called the declaration “WRONG” and asked the state to change the law — just what Lamar and her comrades propose.

Lamar’s push comes amid growing attention to the state’s celebration of Forrest. Protestors, Democratic lawmakers and others have sought the removal of a bust honoring Forrest from its prominent perch just outside the House and Senate chambers for years, to no avail.

"We are building on advocacy that's already happening in the greater Tennessee community around memorializing Nathan Bedford Forrest," Lamar says.

While Lee has said he would prefer the bust stick around with added historical context, the State Capitol Commission will meet next month to consider its removal.

At least some Republicans support removing the bust, as opposed to adding context to the monument. House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison said the bust should be transferred to a museum, in part because he could “think of 100 other people deserving of that post.” More than three-quarters of Tennessee voters agree, according to recent polling.

Lamar says she commends Faison and Republican Rep. Brandon Ogles for their positions on the bust and hopes that they and "quite a few" other Republicans will sign on to the bill.