Cleveland, OH - The Cleveland American Indian Movement (AIM), led by Executive Director Sundance, held a demonstration outside of Progressive Field for the Cleveland Indians home opener. For 51 years, members of the Native American community have set out to persuade ownership of the team to change names.
Many signs with phrases like "People not Mascots" and "Racism isn't Progressive" lined the street leading to Gate C at the ballpark.
Back in March, Cleveland Indians owner, Paul Dolan, announced that the team will be changing their name. However, he later said that due to the long arduous process, it could take until the 2023 season before it happens. Cleveland AIM's leader, Sundance, said "waiting that long is reprehensible. Dolan should at least do something similar to what the former Washington Redskins, now Washington Football Team, did."
The organization removed the Chief Wahoo logo in 2019 from on-field use and around Progressive Field. However, as Sundance points out, Chief Wahoo is still sold in the Indians team shop and other stores around the city.
Last week, the Indians announced they will not allow fans into Progressive Field with “headdresses and face paint styled in a way that references or appropriates American Indian cultures and traditions.”
Cleveland AIM says they will not rest until the Native American community is treated equally.
Photo courtesy of Steve Bailey WTAM
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