Bill To Replace Columbus Day Passes Senate
DENVER, CO - A bill that aims to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with a new state holiday recognizing Italian-American humanitarian, Frances Xavier Cabrini, passed the Senate today. The bill was passed with a vote of 19-15.
“Colorado has an opportunity to replace a holiday that is extremely painful for indigenous communities with a celebration of an Italian-American woman who has made an impact serving children in Colorado and beyond,” said Sen. Angela Williams (D-Denver). “I’m proud that we took another step towards honoring indigenous voices and ending the cruel, yearly reminder of their painful past.”
Indigenous people suffered a great deal following the arrival of Columbus, and his actions have caused pain that has lasted centuries. For descendants of native populations, Columbus Day serves as a dark reminder of the violent past their ancestors endured.
“With this bill, we are not only ending our tribute to a painful part of history but also establishing the first state holiday in Colorado to honor a woman– a woman who worked selflessly to serve disadvantaged and vulnerable communities throughout Colorado,” said Sen Chris Hansen (D-Denver). "Frances Cabrini represents the best of us and her memory stands as a shining example of true compassion and kindness."
HB20-1031 would abolish Columbus Day and officially establish Cabrini Day as a paid state holiday on the first Monday in October.
Mother Cabrini is a Colorado Humanitarian who founded 67 education, health, and spiritual institutions to serve the poor across the country. Cabrini also worked diligently to support vulnerable communities here in Colorado, including establishing The Queen of Heaven Orphanage for Girls in Denver and a summer camp for orphans in Golden. Her legacy is a shining example of service and commitment to the community that warrants a day of commemoration across the state.
The bill now heads to the Governor for final approval. For more information about HB20-1031, please click here.