Richard Oakes, born on this day in 1942, was a Mohawk indigenous activist and leader within the Red Power movement, playing a prominent role in the 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 - 1971.

Oakes promoted Native American studies in university curricula and is credited for helping to change U.S. federal government "Termination" policies (policies regarding assimilation of indigenous people into the culture of the colonizer) of Native American peoples and culture.

In 1969, Oakes led a 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island with LaNada Means, approximately 50 California State University students, and 37 others. On January 5th, 1970, Oakes' 12-year-old daughter, Yvonne, fell to her death from concrete steps. After her funeral, Oakes left the island.

In 1972, Oakes was shot and killed in Sonoma, California, by Michael Morgan, a YMCA camp manager. Allegedly, Oakes violently confronted Morgan, and Morgan responded by drawing a handgun and fatally shooting Oakes.

Oakes was unarmed when he was shot. Morgan claimed he acted in self-defense, and was acquitted on charges of voluntary manslaughter.

"We do not fear your threat to charge us with crimes on our land. We and all other oppressed peoples would welcome spectacle of proof before the world of your title by genocide. Nevertheless, we seek peace."

Richard Oakes

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  • peppersky [he/him, any]
    ·
    6 months ago

    I've thought about going back on the hunt for a new room (quite like having roommates actually) and just after five minutes of looking at offers I already want to throw in the towel. It's somehow so much fucking worse than it was three years ago and even back then it was a total shitshow. 85% of offers are from companies subletting the apartment from the actual landlords, throwing in the cheapest possible furniture and renting out each room eventually, jacking up prices by at least 50%. It's absolutely fucking ridiculous. I just want some cool roommates I can watch movies with :(

    • ratboy [they/them]
      ·
      6 months ago

      Facebook sucks, but the marketplace seems to have more room rental posts made by actual humans as opposed to that crap so might be worth a shot to try it if you haven't