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Get ready to celebrate Elizabeth Peratrovich Day on February 16, a day that commemorates the life and achievements of an influential civil rights activist. Elizabeth Peratrovich was a member of the Tlingit Nation and played a crucial role in advocating for equal rights for Alaska Natives. Her passionate speech in front of the Alaska Legislature in 1945 led to the passing of the Anti-Discrimination Act, making it the first state in the United States to pass such a law. This day is not only a celebration of her legacy but also a reminder to continue fighting for equality and justice for all. So let's honor Elizabeth Peratrovich and her contributions on this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1911</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Elizabeth Peratrovich Born</div><div class='timeline-text'>Elizabeth Jean Peratrovich, a Tlingit woman who would become a civil rights activist, is born on July 4th in Petersburg, Alaska.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Civil Rights Activism</div><div class='timeline-text'>Disturbed by the rampant discrimination against Alaska Natives, Elizabeth and her husband Roy start advocating for equal rights.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1945</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Testimony for Anti-Discrimination Bill</div><div class='timeline-text'>Elizabeth delivers a powerful and poignant speech that eventually leads to the passing of the Anti-Discrimination Act in Alaska.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1952</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div the='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Unexpected Death</div><div class='timeline-text'>Elizabeth Peratrovich tragically passes away from cancer at the age of 41, ending her impactful activism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishing Peratrovich Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Alaska Legislature officially commemorates February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day in honor of her contributions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Honored on U.S. Coin</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Mint releases a $1 coin featuring Elizabeth Peratrovich, in recognition of her significant role in advocating for Native American civil rights.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Elizabeth Peratrovich</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to educate yourself and others about the life and achievements of Elizabeth Peratrovich, a civil rights activist and leader in the Alaska Native community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade or march</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns hold parades or marches in honor of Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. Attend one in your community and show your support for her legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a Native organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day giving back to the Native community by volunteering at a local organization that supports Native rights and culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary or film about Elizabeth Peratrovich</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are several documentaries and films that tell the story of Elizabeth Peratrovich's life and impact. Gather some friends and watch one to learn more about her incredible journey.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support Native-owned businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for the Native community by shopping at and promoting Native-owned businesses on Elizabeth Peratrovich Day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the legacy of a civil rights leader</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Elizabeth Peratrovich was a key figure in the fight for equal rights and opportunities for Native Alaskans. Her activism and leadership paved the way for positive changes in policies and attitudes towards indigenous peoples in Alaska. Elizabeth Peratrovich Day honors her contributions to this cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about Native American history and culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This holiday is an important opportunity to educate ourselves and others about the history, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and discrimination faced by many indigenous communities, and highlights the need for continued advocacy and support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes equality and inclusion</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Elizabeth Peratrovich Day reminds us of the importance of treating all individuals with respect and fairness regardless of their race or cultural background. It's a day to celebrate diversity and unity, and to work towards a more just and equitable society for all.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Elizabeth Peratrovich was a Tlingit Native American</h3><p class='facts-text'>Originally from Alaska, Elizabeth was a part of the Tlingit Native American tribe, a group deeply rooted in fishing, hunting and gathering practices passed down generations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>She is recognized for fighting for Native Alaskan rights</h3><p class='facts-text'>Peratrovich worked prominently to combat inequality and discrimination against Alaska Natives in the mid-20th century. She was instrumental in getting the first anti-discrimination law passed in Alaska.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Elizabeth Peratrovich Day was established in her memory</h3><p class='facts-text'>On February 16 every year, Alaskans commemorate Peratrovich's contributions to the state and the cause of civil rights.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Peratrovich features on the $1 "Golden Dollar" coin </h3><p class='facts-text'>In 2020, the United States Mint released a $1 coin with Elizabeth Peratrovich’s portrait inscribed on it under the Native American $1 Coin Program, honoring her contributions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Her Speech Led to the Passing of the Anti-Discrimination Act</h3><p class='facts-text'>With a riveting speech delivered in 1945, Peratrovich advocated for equal rights, which led to the Alaska Territorial Governor signing the Anti-Discrimination Act into law.</p></div></div>
Elizabeth Peratrovich Day is celebrated on February 16 every year. In 2024, Elizabeth Peratrovich Day will occur on a Friday.
2023
Feb 16
Thursday
2024
Feb 16
Friday
2025
Feb 16
Sunday
2026
Feb 16
Monday
2027
Feb 16
Tuesday
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