Nathan Bedford Forrest Day is a controversial observance in the United States, particularly in the state of Tennessee. It is dedicated to remembering the life of Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate Army general during the American Civil War and an early leader of the Ku Klux Klan.

History:

• Nathan Bedford Forrest was born on July 13, 1821.
• He became a wealthy plantation owner and slave trader before joining the Confederate Army.
• Forrest was known for his tactics and was one of the few officers to enlist as a private and rise to a major general.
• After the war, he was involved with the Ku Klux Klan during its formative years.

Traditions:

Traditionally, Nathan Bedford Forrest Day involved:

• Proclamations or statements from officials recognizing the day.
• Commemorative events by historical societies or supporters.

However, due to Forrest's association with slavery and racism, there has been significant opposition to these commemorations:

• Civil rights groups have protested against honoring someone associated with racial oppression.
• Debates over monuments and public displays honoring Forrest have become part of broader discussions about how to address historical figures with complex legacies.

What People Do:

On this day, some might:

• Visit monuments or gravesites related to Nathan Bedford Forrest.
• Hold lectures or educational events about Civil War history.

Others may:

• Participate in protests against the commemoration.
• Engage in dialogue about racial history and reconciliation.

In recent years, there has been movement away from officially recognizing this day. For instance:

1. In 2019, Tennessee's governor signed a bill removing the requirement for governors to proclaim Nathan Bedford Forrest Day as an official state holiday.
2. There has been increasing pressure nationwide to reevaluate holidays and monuments that honor controversial historical figures.