March And Rally Seek To End Use Of 'Redskins' Name
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The logo and mascot for Washington's NFL team has been at the center of protests in the past.
David Glass of the National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media sees the name "Redskins" as discriminatory and harmful.
"We're not mascots," Glass said. "It's time for the 'R' word to go."
Native Americans and thousands of supporters are expected to rally and march against the only NFL team whose name is considered by some to be a racial slur.
"That word came from the killing of women and children and the elders, you know, taking scalps and killing our people for bounty," he said. "And they were bringing them in by the gunny sacks and wagon loads, and hence the word 'redskins.'"
Glass heads the coalition that has fought for 35 years to have these mascots and logos erased from popular culture.
"We've been successful … with over 1,400 discharging of names and logos in the past 20 years, and, you know, the effort's not over yet," Glass said.
He says Sunday's rally will be like no other.
"This is going to be the largest rally in the country," Glass said.
More than 5,000 people are expected to gather outside Northrup Auditorium at the University of Minnesota Sunday at 9 a.m. They will march three quarters of a mile to TCF Bank Stadium, where 25 speakers will address the crowd.
Rick Cardenas is also with the coalition.
"This rally will show how many folks are really concerned about the use of that pejorative," Cardenas said.
This rally will not be the last. The plan is for more rallies in other cities until there is change.
Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has said the team's name represents the strength and pride of its Indian heritage.
He has been hesitant to change what he says is tradition.