The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill to place statues of Helen Keller and Rosa Parks on the state capitol grounds.
House Bill 287 is sponsored by State Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville.
Hall said the two women are already both honored with statues in Washington at the nation’s capital.
“These statues would represent two outstanding women,” said State Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur.
Collins said the Alabama Women’s Commission recommends passing the bill.
“We encouragingly support you and recommend this legislation,” Collins said.
State Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said she took 50 children to the Rosa Parks Museum recently and one little girl, Autumn Campbell, said because Rosa Parks “refused to give up her seat, Ms. Drummond can stand in the Alabama Legislature.”
Drummond said she looks forward to the day that she can take Autumn Campbell to see the statues.
“I am honored and elated to support this bill,” Drummond said. “If men would only let us control the world, all of our problems would be solved.”
Drummond said that this bill is “commemorating two strong women who we are standing on their shoulders. We are making a difference in the great state of Alabama.”
State Rep. Barbara Boyd, D-Anniston, said that Helen Keller would not be what she was without her teacher.
State Rep. Andrew Sorrell, R-Tuscumbia, said, “I represent Tuscumbia where Helen Keller was raised.” Ivey Green has a play every year on Helen Keller. I invite all of you to attend.
Hall said Rosa Parks was a member of St. Paul AME Church in Montgomery.
State Rep. Dexter Grimsley, D-Abbeville, said both Rosa Parks and Helen Keller demonstrate what is great about Alabama.
House Bill 287 passed the House 102 to 0.
It now goes to the state Senate.
