November 15, 2010: Diversity is any kind of variety that makes our world a better place.
Although the Civil Rights era of the 1960’s is mostly associated with the progress of African-Americans, it was a time of activism across all minorities. American Indians, who in their history had lost so much and suffered so much, were particularly inspired by the actions of Martin Luther King and began mobilizing as well.
This week in 1969 marked the beginning of an era of Indian activism when a group of 300 American Indians and non-Indian supporters took control of the abandoned prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. The occupation ended up lasting for over a year and a half, and was successful in raising public awareness for their cause.
You may have noticed the usage of the term “American Indian” instead of the more familiar “Native American”. Although both are considered acceptable, most people prefer to call themselves “Indians,” if not by their specific tribal name.
