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Bill

SB 801

"Carry Me Back to Old Virginny;" removes designation as official state song emeritus.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia eliminates the official "emeritus" designation of "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny," a state song with explicitly racist lyrics and Confederate associations.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 957 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · SB 801

Legislative bill overview

SB 801 removes "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" from its designation as Virginia's official state song emeritus. The song, written in 1878 by James A. Bland, had held this honorary status after the state legislature replaced it as the primary official song in 1997 due to its racist lyrics and associations with the Confederacy.

Why is this important

This bill completes Virginia's formal separation from a musical symbol with a deeply problematic history. The song contains explicitly racist language and has long been viewed as offensive to Black Virginians and others. Removing even the "emeritus" designation represents a symbolic but meaningful step in acknowledging historical harms and declining to honor works rooted in racist ideology.

Potential points of contention

  • Historical preservation vs. rejection: Some may argue the song represents a historical artifact worth preserving in archives rather than removing from official status, while supporters see any official designation as inappropriate
  • Scope of symbolic actions: Critics might question whether removing ceremonial designations addresses substantive issues, while proponents view symbolic gestures as important for institutional accountability
  • Artistic merit versus content: Questions about separating a composer's musical contributions from the racist context and lyrics of specific works

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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