Washington, DC (PRWEB) September 12, 2014
On September 16, 2014, the Change the Mascot campaign will hold a press conference at 12:00 p.m. on Capitol Hill with Native American leaders, Members of Congress, and our partner civil rights and religious organizations. The press conference follows the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Tribal Unity Impact Days tribal leader briefing. Tribal Unity Impact Days is organized by NCAI in partnership with tribal nations, regional intertribal organizations, and other national tribal organizations to advocate for key priorities in Indian Country.
One such issue is the grassroots campaign to change the offensive R-word name and mascot of the Washington, D.C. NFL team. During the press conference, the Change the Mascot campaign will announce new initiatives it plans to advance during the upcoming NFL season, and its mission to build upon its educational efforts to the public regarding the continued use of the derogatory and offensive name of the Washington R*dskins.
Members of Congress, religious and civil rights leaders will join tribal leaders of the Change the Mascot campaign during the press conference. Attendees will hear from a diverse coalition of supporters about plans to expand the campaign’s efforts, and why it is imperative that the racist, derogatory name of Washington, D.C. NFL team be changed immediately.
WHAT: Press conference addressing key challenges in Indian Country and announcing important new initiatives from the Change the Mascot campaign for the 2014-2015 NFL season.
WHO: A diverse coalition of Change the Mascot supporters including Native American leaders, Members of Congress, civil rights organizations, religious groups and other advocates.
Speakers will include Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congresswoman Betty McCollum, NCAI President Brian Cladoosby, Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter, NCAI Executive Director Jacqueline Pata, Rev. John R. Deckenback of The United Church of Christ, Rev. Graylan Hagler of Plymouth United Church of Christ, NAACP Senior Vice President Hilary Shelton, and the Leadership Council on Civil and Human Rights Executive Vice President Nancy Zirkin.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 16 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time
WHERE: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Hearing Room; 628 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.
R.S.V.P.: Jim Heins, Oneida Indian Nation, 315.829.8311, jheins(at)oneida-nation(dot)org