CLEVELAND, Ohio, March 29, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- People concerned about, tired, irritated, or downright angry about negative stereotyping of native people and culture through the use of mascots and names by sports teams are called to a conference on Racism and Contemporary Genocide at Cleveland State University (CSU). The conference, co-sponsored by The United Church of Christ and The Committee of 500 Years, will be held at the Cleveland State University Student Center, 2121 Euclid Avenue, in downtown Cleveland and begins March 31 at 11:00 and will culminate on April 2 with a protest at the home opener of the Cleveland Indians. The Cleveland Indians Chief Wahoo logo is considered by many in the Native American community to be the most offensive of all. CSU will offer CEUs for attending the conference from March 31 through April 1.
The conference includes a variety of lectures and workshops. Presenters include Dr. Mary Clearing-Sky, Counseling Center Director, Michigan State University, Dr. Cornell D. Pewewardy, Assistant Professor, University of Kansas, Charlene Teters, Vernon Bellecourt, Spiritual Leader Melvin Grey Owl, Gary Brouse, Sister at Marshall, Juan Reyna, Juanita Helphrey, Ellen Staurowsky and many others representing activist groups from various parts of the country. College students plan to attend from various parts of the country.
There will also be drumming workshops, awards, and giveaways. Some events will be held at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Tremont, a near westside Cleveland neighborhood less than five minutes from downtown.
Conference fees are $40 for organizations and for CEU participants; $25 for non-CEU individuals; $10 for Seniors. Children and youth are free.
The protest occurs Monday, April 2. It will be a two-mile walk to the ballpark and around it. It will feature speakers, "effigies" and other "works of art" that our innovative artists and protesters create.
For more information about this exciting educational, networking, and social action opportunity, call Ferne Clements at 216-736-3725 or email Ferne at clementf@ucc.org.
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a 1.4 million-member denomination with approximately 6,000 congregations nationwide. Its national offices are located in Cleveland. The national offices speak to but not for all of its congregations and members. Local congregations within the UCC are free to take their own positions. The national and local settings of the UCC covenant to treat each other's positions with mutual respect and consideration.
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CONTACT: United Church of Christ
Ron Buford, PR Manager
(216) 736-2180
E-Mail: bufordr@ucc.org