Sun 3/31 @ noon-9PM
Mon 4/1 @ 1-4PM
The Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance is a group of activist organizations and people, both native and non-native, joining in the denouncement of Columbus’ voyage in 1492 and the over 500 years of colonialism, genocide and racism.
On Opening Day weekend of Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team, the Committee will be hosting their 20th annual educational conference at Baldwin Wallace University, inviting the public to join and learn more about intergenerational racism in Indigenous Nations and the environment. A keynote speaker followed by two workshops will provide attendees with a closer glimpse of the issues that persist in the Indigenous people, hosting activists with diverse backgrounds and interests.
Keynote speaker David Narcomey, General Counsel of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, is known for his work opposing the use of native symbols and imagery used as mascots of universities and sports teams. Narcomey was instrumental in ending the YMCA’s “Y-Indian Guides” programs, and continues to fight to end exposure to hurtful images. He will help to kickoff the conference, which begins at noon.
Jacqueline Keeler will lead the first workshop, entitled “Racism against Indigenous Peoples in Sports and Media.” She is a Diné/Ihanktonwan Dakota writer and contributor to NBC News, Yes! Magazine, Truthout, The Nation, and many other publications. She is the author of The Edge of Morning: Native Voices Speak for the Bears Ears and her forthcoming work Standing Rock to the Bundy Standoff: Occupation, Native Sovereignty, and the Fight for Sacred Landscapes, whichwill be released in 2019.
The second workshop, “Survivance in the Climate Crisis,” will feature Cusi Ballew — long-time activist working across Turtle Island against coal, oil and logging companies. He currently lives in Athens County, Ohio, on occupied Shawnee and Tsalagi territory with his partner and kids.
Forums will follow both of the workshops, providing attendees the opportunity to ask questions and learn more. For further registration details, visit the Committee’s website here.
The next day, on April 1st, the Committee and their allies will meet at W. 25th and Detroit @ 1pm and then march in solidarity to the area between Progressive Field and the Q. There, they will continue their peaceful demonstration until 4pm. As Cleveland’s MLB team kicks off its season with its continually exploitative, offensive and stereotypical logo, the Committee and friends will be purposefully opposing its continued use among the team and fans. For more information on demonstration guidelines, visit here.
[Written by Jenna Thomas]
Berea, OH 44017
Cleveland, OH 44115