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I grew up in Maryland, only 10 mins outside of Washington, DC. I hated football season.
My mom (Native/black) and I were from Philly. My mom was always so angry and disgusted abt the name R*dsk*ns. My stepdad (black) was DC born and bred and an avid fan of the Washington team.
My mom (Native/black) and I were from Philly. My mom was always so angry and disgusted abt the name R*dsk*ns. My stepdad (black) was DC born and bred and an avid fan of the Washington team.
I never understood how my stepdad's family could not see the name was wrong. That if there was a team called "The Negroes" or "Mandingos" "Pickinninies", hell even the "The Ni**ers" they would be furious and horrified. Every year, this debate and I was left sad, angry, powerless.
In my home, there was no Rword paraphernalia. Even my stepdad who rooted for them understood it was inappropriate.
But everywhere else was like a constant assault. Rolls of fury, disgust, frustration, emptiness. It feels like you are screaming but all that comes out is silence.
But everywhere else was like a constant assault. Rolls of fury, disgust, frustration, emptiness. It feels like you are screaming but all that comes out is silence.
I went to protests outside of stadiums, even one attended by Dick Gregory. Got into heated arguments w people, white & black. I explained over and over there is no "honor" in mascots. I wrote on a show w a storyline that the name was changed.
Still, football season would come.
Still, football season would come.
I'd tell people stories of friends/relatives called R-word by racists in reservation border towns. Show them in print where it was used to talk abt "drunk Indians" and other stereotypes. I'd show the historic ads offering bounty money for r*dsk*ns - proof of a kill.
Deaf ears.
Deaf ears.
I admire the tireless work of Susan Harjo, Amanda Blackhorse, Joseph Horse-Capture, Johnnie Jae, and the many others who made this day happen. I'm overjoyed that I don't have to hear that word, or see that mascot five months out of every year - ever again.
FedEx Stadium, 2014
