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News :: Protest Activity |
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Co-Coordinator, Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative |
Current rating: 0 |
by Brooke Anderson (PRC)
Email: brooke (nospam) shout.net (unverified!)
Phone: (217) 255-5307 |
20 Oct 2002
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Dear friends,
On Monday, October 14th ("Columbus Day"), the Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative sponsored an Anti-Columbus / Anti-"Chief" Rally and March. We are writing to thank YOU for making this event a huge success.
The protest began on the South Patio of the University of Illinois Student Union where speakers told of the genocide that Columbus committed, decried his celebration as a hero, and condemned the continued desecration of Native culture in the form of the school's racist mascot, "Chief Illiniwek." From the patio, protestors marched to the UI Alma Mater, where the figure in the statue had been blindfolded, and from his arms hund a sign that read, "The world is not blind to UI's racism."
Throughout the night, speakers from organizations across campus called for the end of the racist tradition of "Chief Illiniwek," and called on the Board of Trustees to act immediately to remove the mascot. As one speaker said, "In September, we demanded that the Board set a date by which they would vote on the issue, but they ignored us again. And end to 'Chief Illiniwek' is not on their agenda, but together we can put it on their agenda whether they like it or not!" Protestors vowed to make a strong presence at the upcoming Board of Trustees in meeting in Urbana-Champaign during November.
We wish to thank the speakers: Kurt Hilgendorf (PRC), Brooke Anderson (PRC), Gabe Cortez (UI Graduate Student), Chi-Chi Nwazota (NAACP), Lauren Ray (Democratic Solidarity Committee), and Sylvia Caballero (Multicultural Program Director).
And thank you to all the co-sponsoring organizations for your help and support: 85% Coalition, Activist Forum Club, Anti-War Anti-Racist Effort, El Pueblo Unido, Illinois Disciples Foundation, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., School for Designing a Society, Students Improving the Lives of Animals, U-C Hip Hop Congress, U-C Independent Media Center, UIUC Latina/Latino Studies Program, UIUC Student NAACP, Vietnam Veterans Against the War (C-U Chapter), Women Rising in Resistance, (N.Y.A.S.O) Not Your Average Students Organization, Democratic Solidarity Committee.
Speeches and pictures from the protest will soon be available on our website at www.prairienet.org/prc.
*** Please mark your calendar ***
The PRC will be holding a public forum to draft a BOT resolution eliminating Chief Illiniwek on the evening of Tuesday, November 12th. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. More informtion coming soon!
For more information about the PRC or about the anti-"Chief" movement, contact the Progressive Resource/Action Cooperative at (217) 352-8721 or prc (at) prairienet.org. Visit our website at www.prairienet.org/prc.
Sincerely,
The PRC |
