Alabama will have been a state for 200 years on December 14, 2019. Congresswoman Martha Roby (R-Montgomery) and the rest of the Alabama congressional delegation introduced a resolution in Congress marking this historical event.
“Last Tuesday, I led the efforts alongside my Alabama colleagues in introducing a resolution that honors the 200th anniversary of Alabama’s statehood,” Roby said in an email to constituents. “I am privileged to serve Alabama’s Second Congressional District as we approach this memorable time in our state’s history.”
Congresswoman Roby spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives about this resolution.
“I rise today to highlight an important time in Alabama’s history,” Roby said. “I am proud to lead the effort, joined by my colleagues from Alabama, introducing a resolution today that honors the 2ooth anniversary of Alabama statehood. On December 14, 1819, Alabama was incorporated into the union as the 22nd state. December 14, 1819 will l mark 200 years since our state’s incorporation. This is a monumental occasion in our state’s history, and we look forward to joining Alabamians in a year full of celebration and commemoration of the bicentennial.”
“It is my greatest honor to represent and serve the citizens of the Second Congressional District which includes Montgomery, our state’s capitol,” Roby said. “Alabama is currently experiencing extreme economic development and job growth across this state which makes this time even more exciting for us all. I join my colleagues in recognizing this milestone in our state’s history. I am grateful to represent the people of Alabama as we celebrate the birthday and history of the great state we all call home.”
In October, the Alabama Department of Labor announced that the unemployment rate in Alabama had dropped to just 2.8 percent, the lowest unemployment in the history of the state. Alabama has a rich and storied history; but persistent and pervasive poverty is also part of the state’s history. With the booming economy, every Alabamian who wants to work can find work, and this rising prosperity is open to persons of all races.
Alabama will celebrate 200 years of statehood with a three-day celebration beginning on Friday, December 13th and concluding Sunday, December 15th. A large portion of the festivities will take place on the day of Alabama’s Bicentennial, Saturday, December 14, 2019.
On Friday, December 13th at 7:30 p.m. there will be a “Celebration of Alabama” Concert with Bobby Horton at the Capri Theatre in Montgomery.
This special benefit concert will open the Alabama 200 Birthday Celebration weekend with renowned musician and music historian Bobby Horton. Horton will paint a musical portrait of life in Alabama from the earliest days of our statehood through the 1850s. Tickets are $12. The poceeds will support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Alabama-Mississippi Chapter.
On Saturday, December 14th from 10 – 11:30 a.m. there will be an Alabama Bicentennial Parade in Montgomery. The parade will proceed from S Perry Street, up Dexter Avenue, exiting on Bainbridge Street. The 70 entries represent communities, cultures, people and places from around Alabama. The parade will conclude with the more than 150 member Bicentennial All Star Band performing an original composition “Something in the water.” The parade will be anchored by Don Dailey from Alabama Public Television.
From 12 to 12:45 p.m. there will be an Alabama Bicentennial Park Dedication on the Alabama State Capitol Steps. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) and other state dignitaries will unveil the 16 monuments depicting Alabama’s 200 years of statehood. Kirk Jay joined by the Booker T. Washington Magnet High School Choir and the 151st Army Band of the Alabama National Guard will perform.
From 1 to 4 p.m. the Alabama Bicentennial Festival will be held at the State Capitol Complex. The afternoon will offer exhibitions, performances and open houses in the Capitol Complex, up and down Dexter Avenue and throughout downtown Montgomery. Alabama’s State Capitol will play host to several cultural performances. Alabama’s exhibit of the state’s six constitutions, live music, reenactors, and family activities will be featured at the Alabama Department of Archives & History.
From 4 to 6 p.m. will be the Alabama Bicentennial Concert* & Finale Presentation on the Alabama State Capitol Steps. December 14th will finish with a concert featuring popular musicians from Alabama, sponsored by the Alabama Tourism Department. The concert will be followed by a finale presentation of Alabama history presented in a never-before-seen way, sponsored by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
On Sunday, December 15th there will be an Encore Finale Presentation at the Alabama Attorney General Building of the special Bicentennial Finale Presentation of Alabama history presented in a never-before-seen way, sponsored by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.
The Alabama Bicentennial Commission is chaired by State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur).
Congresswoman Roby is not seeking re-election.
