Jackson Teen Leading Rally Against Washington Redskins' Name At San Francisco 49ers Game
JACKSON (CBS13) — A rally against the Washington Redskins team name is coming to Levi's Stadium on Sunday for the team's game against the San Francisco 49ers, and a local teen is the surprising leader of that effort.
Protesters will be arguing the team name is a racial slur, and they refuse to say it.
Dahkota Brown, 16, from the small foothills in Jackson, is an activist at the forefront of a national social movement.
"It's just plain racist," he said.
Outside the stadium on Sunday, signs will be on display before and during the 49ers game against the Redskins protesting the name.
"I've had people tell me I'm doing great things, but to me this is my everyday life. This is a battle that can't be ignored," he said. "These logos and mascots—they hurt."
He says the Redskins logo reinforces negative and wrong Native-American stereotypes, comparing it to other well-known symbols of hate.
Brown calls the team name a flat-out racial slur that mocks his heritage.
"I'm a proud Miwok from Rancheria. I dance, I sing, I speak my language; it's my blood...it's who I am," he said.
Similar protests have happened across the country this NFL season, reviving the long-standing debate. Brown says at least 500 people will join him from across the nation.
Team owner Daniel Snyder refuses to budge on changing the team's name, saying he believes it's not offensive.
Brown argues the name is an ugly reminder of the history of Native American oppression.
"When Rosa Parks took her famous stand on the bus, that same bus would've driven past me, because Native Americans were still not allowed on public transportation at that time," he said.
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