Dozens of indigenous groups will be hosting a “No Honor in Racism Rally” opposing the use of Native identity and culture as a mascot and demand an end the use of a racial slur by the Washington NFL Team.
A prayer gathering, march, and press conference will be held on Sunday, November 23 prior to the game at the Levis Stadium.
What: A large coalition of grassroots California Indigenous organizations and allies are holding a ‘No Honor In Racism Rally’ as part of the national movement demanding that the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell end the use of the racial epithet in the league.
In addition to #GameOverForRacism banners, signs, and speakers, planned activities at the rally also include honoring Native culture and traditions with Native-led singing, drumming, and dancing. The protest is part of a series of nationwide actions at NFL games to “Change the Name & Change the Mascot!”.
Native activists will also be discussing the mascot issue as part of a larger resilience and fight against racism and colonialism. The rally’s speakers and messaging will connect their demand for respectful representation of Indigenous Peoples towards their current struggle for Sovereignty and Self Determination and the recognition and protection of Indigenous Rights, Treaties, Traditional Cultures and Sacred Lands.
A press release will be issued to catch the weekend desk.
Times and Location: Sunday, November 23rd, 2014
8:00am - Prayer Gathering @ Ulistac Natural Area; 4901 Lick Mill Blvd, Santa Clara, CA.
9:30 am - Begin the march from Ulistac to Levi’s Stadium; 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, at the cross streets of Great America Pkwy and Tasman Ave; Santa Clara, CA.
10:00am - Press Conference & Rally @ the above location.
Who: The SF Bay Area has historic ties to the Indigenous rights movement, many who will be representing at the press conference. A list of speakers include Corrina Gould, Anthony Sul & Wicahpiluta Candelaria - Ohlone; Kris Road Traveler Longoria, Caddo Nation and Cheyenne Arapaho; Morning Star Gali, Ajumawi Band of Pit River; Dahkota Kicking Bear Brown, Wilton Miwok; Jacqueline Keeler - Navajo & Yankton Dakota; Bill Means, AIM; Clyde Bellecourt, AIM; Lenny Foster, AIM; Fred Short, AIM; Charlene Teters, Lakota Harden; and more!
Bay Area Coalition Against Racism in Sports is sponsored by American Indian Movement-West, Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits, Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry, Indian People Organizing for Change, Sacred Sites Protection & Rights of Indigenous Tribes, ANSWER COALITION, Idle No More SF Bay, National Lawyers Guild San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and more TBA.
Media Contacts:
Kris Longoria: 510-759-3911 / urbanrezlife@gmail.com
Morning Star Gali: 510-827-6719 / mstargali@gmail.com
National ‘Change the Mascot’ supporters can be found at: http://www.changethemascot.org/...
#NotYourMascot #ChangeTheName #ChangeTheMascot #NoHonorInRacism
Note to editors: Colorful banners & theatrical displays. Preliminary interviews can be arranged.
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