Longest Walk 2
I got the chance to join the rally and concert yesterday for the Longest Walk 2. More information about this journey and its significance to the indigenous peoples movement and the environment here. Head-Roc and I were tentatively scheduled to perform, but the event was running late. Still, it was an honor to be a part of it and see the solidarity for this movement across generations and peoples. Shouts to Dick Gregory, Dennis Banks, Audrey, Free DC Doug, Meliza and errybody down there.
The organizers need money. If you are in DC, try to make it to the mall, right behind the Native American Museum National Museum of the American Indian, and give what you can. I’m about to hit the block with some shirts to donate…
Oh and speaking of that museum. They fronted on the organizers and the participants hard. So, just let it be known, it is now BANNED IN DC!
UPSET THE SETUP
Filed under: DC, DC Hip Hop, Upset The Setup | 9 Comments
Tags: American Indian Movement, Dennis Banks, The Longest Walk 2
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Are you talking about the National Museum of the American Indian?
Fuck Dennis Banks.
first of all. if you have any reason to say that about Dennis Banks, you should do it to his face and not on MY blog. Second of all, he’d stomp an ojibwa mudhole in your ass, so show some respect for an elder who has done more than you ever will for the progress of indigenous peoples.
My son, Harry, did the entire walk from San Francisco to D.C.
He was amazed at the sheer kindness of most Americans.
Donating food, clothing, shelter, money, etc.
It underscores that we are all more alike than different, all deserve to be
treated with dignity.
Some exceptions were a few police officers in Columbus, OH.
And obviously the writer, above, who has a personal problem with Dennis Banks.
It was an amazing undertaking. Reminding us that all peoples, especially our longest existing citizens, do not have full rights.
All Life is Sacred.
i met a couple people on the longest walk early last week. They had separated from the main group to visit other issues, add separate issues to their manifest and meet up again in DC with the main group. Dennis Banks personally threatened the small group with the FBI (which seemed odd since he himself is apparently under FBI investigation) if they attempted to leave and come back. The people I met had sold their homes, their possesions and quit their jobs in hopes of completing this walk, and nobody on the walk made any money (nor did they want to), all while Dennis Banks makes thousands by giving speeches and holding photo-ops off the Longest Walk.
So when I say “Fuck Dennis Banks”, I don’t mean the movement for the rights of indigenous peoples, I mean the profiteering and exploitation of the people perpetuating the movement.
UPSET THE SETUP (…am I getting it now? closer?)
I only wish I had as much conviction and strength as the people that participated in the walk, and if I had a larger home, would have extended it as shelter. I heard stories about insults and support from a range of people. I only have the utmost respect for the people that put one foot in front of the other for any stretch of distance on the walk. And I couldn’t agree more that we are more alike than different, as are the issues we face. I met that separated group while they had shelter at the wall in manassas, va. Their showing support to an ethnic group other than their own only serves to highlight our similarities. I was there at the Longest Walk rally and will continue to support grassroots movements. But I can’t help but feel skepticism towards somebody that threatens volunteer walkers with FBI investigations.
word
Just an FYI to the blogger. If I was Dennis Banks, I would be suspicious too considering what happened during the first walk, the trail of broken treaties and wounded knee 2. AIM was infiltrated, so I can see why he would not trust people leaving the walk and coming back. How does he know if they are fbi s or not? leaving to make a report or something. I think you should lay the hell off of our Elder Dennis. Issue number 2, he talks and has to use his name in the media to get attention for the walkers. that is what those interviews are about, it is also why he had stars join the cause… to get media attention on the walkers. not themselves. To get the word out so that the walkers could get shelter and food and gas zhoon. Think before you speak blogger. Remember the 7 grandfather teachings before you write things like this on the internet. It is very hurtful.
Dennis Banks is no god. To get respect, one must give respect and I too have heard of the way in which some of the walkers were treated, including many elders who were disrespected terribly by Banks (while he gets driven around and stays in comfortable hotels and motels) and the elderly and small children are cast aside, without adequate food, or shelter or support. Let’s quit the fbi stuff – I don’t think he has anything to fear from the fbi – he takes good care of his back. Don’t be such blind followers – walk your own path, listen to the voice of spirit within and it will never fail you. But this man is no god and no innocent hero.