(WASHINGTON, DC., 4/15/21) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today supported an effort to divert part of an Alabama tax used to operate a Confederate memorial park to instead promote educational initiatives highlighting Black history in that state.
Alabama still collects a tax to fund pensions for Confederate soldiers and their widows, a small part of which goes to operate a Confederate Memorial Park in Mountain Creek, Ala. Two Alabama state senators want to use part of the tax to support black history memorials. There have been unsuccessful attempts in the past to remove the park’s funding.
SEE: Alabama Still Collects Taxes ‘to Support the Confederacy’
https://news.yahoo.com/alabama-still-collects-taxes-support-123206378.html
Two Alabama Senators Want to Use Confederate Tax to Fund Black History
Alabama Senators Want Confederate Tax to Fund Black History
https://www.apr.org/post/alabama-senators-want-confederate-tax-fund-black-history
Alabama Senators Want Confederate Tax to Fund Black History
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/alabama-senators-want-confederate-tax-fund-black-history-rcna656
“Taxpayer funds should never be used to perpetuate the Confederacy’s legacy of anti-Black racism, white supremacy and slavery. These funds should instead be used to educate everyone in Alabama about the contributions of African-Americans to the state and our nation,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper.
Yesterday, CAIR decried Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves decision to secretly sign a proclamation naming April as Confederate Heritage Month. He also declared April 26 as Confederate Memorial Day in Mississippi.
SEE: CAIR Condemns Mississippi Governor’s Secret ‘Confederate Heritage Month’ Declaration
The Washington-based civil rights organization has repeatedly urged the removal of Confederate symbols and racist laws nationwide.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com