This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Elizabeth Peratrovich Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is celebrated on February 16th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you ought to know about Elizabeth Peratrovich Day.
📅 What day is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day 2024?
In 2024, Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is on Thursday, February 16th. It is the 3rd Thursday in February; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the fun details and facts about February 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
On February 16th, Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is observed to commemorate the remarkable achievements of American activist Elizabeth Peratrovich in improving race relations in Alaska. Throughout her life, she tirelessly fought for equal rights for Native Alaskans. Although it is not recognized as a national holiday in the United States, many Alaskan companies, stores, and organizations choose to close on this day to pay tribute to her legacy.
📜 Elizabeth Peratrovich Day History
In 1933, she married fellow activist Roy Peratrovich and they moved to Juneau, Alaska eight years later in order to have better access to legislators who could help them bring about change in their community. Unfortunately, they faced the same discrimination and were even denied a home loan because of their ethnic background. Shortly after their relocation, they came across a sign at an inn that read ‘No Natives Allowed’, which angered them and prompted them to take action. They wrote a letter to Governor Ernest H. Gruening, highlighting that native boys had fought alongside white boys in World War II to protect the freedom of white boys.
This letter marked the beginning of Peratrovich’s efforts to pass an anti-discrimination law. With the support of Governor Gruening, she introduced the measure in the House, but it was defeated in a tied vote in 1943. However, Peratrovich was determined and together with her husband, she traveled across Alaska, encouraging Native Americans to join their fight.
After years of persistence, another anti-discrimination law was introduced in the Alaska Senate in 1945. During the debate, Peratrovich faced opposition from someone who believed that they should be able to socialize with people they considered to be “barely out of savagery.” In response, she eloquently reminded them that despite her own background, she was reminding individuals with thousands of years of civilization behind them about their own Bill of Rights. She emphasized that this measure would acknowledge and address racial discrimination. Her heartfelt speech received overwhelming support and applause, leading to the enactment of the groundbreaking Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945.
Peratrovich continued her activism until her untimely death at the age of 47. She was laid to rest alongside her husband in Juneau’s Evergreen Cemetery, beneath the shade of a Sitka spruce. Every year on this day, the cemetery gate is opened for visitors to pay their respects.
On April 21, 1988, Alaska Governor Steve Cowper established Elizabeth Peratrovich Day as a tribute to her dedication to racial equality in Alaska. The date was later changed to February 16, in commemoration of the passing of the Anti-Discrimination Act.
Each year, Alaskans honor her legacy by reflecting on her work and visiting her tomb. She is remembered through public monuments and parks named after her, holding a special place in the hearts of many.
✅ Elizabeth Peratrovich Day Facts
🔖 Continuing the family legacy
Elizabeth’s sons, Roy Jr. and Frank, continued their mother’s legacy. Roy Jr. took on the responsibility of building the unique Brotherhood Bridge in Juneau, which was named after the Alaskan Native Brotherhood. On the other hand, Frank served as the Tribal Operations Officer for the Juneau Bureau of Indian Affairs.
🔖 Taking knitting to work
Peratrovich was known for her multitasking skills, often knitting while participating in parliamentary sessions. One of her most notable moments was her impactful speech to the House in 1945.
🔖 Making history in more ways than one
The Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, enacted in the United States, is a significant legislation that prohibits the unequal treatment of individuals based on their race. It stands as the first law since the 1800s to make such discrimination illegal.
👍 Why Is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day Important
Not only is she a significant civil rights icon, but her cause is also receiving increased attention.
She stood up to prejudice and used her words to make a difference. Her efforts were critical at the time and remain so today.
She motivates us to fight for what we believe in and to never give up.
🙂 How To Observe Elizabeth Peratrovich Day
⚡ Take a walk through Peratrovich’s life
⚡ Read literature about this legend
Elizabeth Peratrovich’s life has been extensively documented in numerous articles, studies, and books. You can easily access suitable ebooks and other resources online, or if you prefer a more traditional approach, you can purchase or borrow a book about her from a local bookstore or library.
⚡ Learn more about her
The work and life of Peratrovich and her family have been meticulously preserved at the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian. Visitors to this region can also see the Peratrovich Gallery in the Alaska House of Representatives. You may take actual tours or see whether these locations offer virtual tours as well.
📅 When is Elizabeth Peratrovich Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2024 | February 16 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 16 | Sunday |
| 2026 | February 16 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 16 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | February 16 | Wednesday |
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