Iresist C/O IDF
610 E. Springfield Ave.
Champaign, Illinois 61820
United StatesStudents, faculty, and community members formed I Resist! in March 2004 to address pressing issues affecting people of color living within the UIUC community. Members join I Resist! to dialogue on issues of power, strategize and take action toward the long term goal of creating a more just and welcoming environment for all.
Currently, I Resist! is helping to organize around issues related to the use of the “Chief Illiniwek” mascot. Since the 1920’s, this mascot has been used at sporting and community events in Urbana-Champaign. Many alumni, current students, and local community members say the “Chief” represents a symbol that honors American Indians. However, I Resist! members emphasize these claims to honor American Indians are not substantiated by any real improvements for American Indians. In fact, what these “pro-chiefers” are actually honoring is their own ability to subjugate non-white populations. They perceive any threat to their “Chief” as a threat to their power over others.
It is within this climate that people of color have experienced the creation of a hostile environment because of a great allegiance to maintain the use of this mascot.
I Resist! invites you to take a stand and help put an end to the use of this offensive symbol. Get involved in the movement to retire the chief.This is a campus group. Geographical Scope: Local Added on 12-03-2004 Updated on 04-21-2005 |
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