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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American lawn culture is deeply fascist and disgusting. I do not want a sterile monoculture of a lawn. I do not want to exterminate native species. I do not give a single shit about how "presentable" it looks. I do not give a shit about "weeds". I do not want to dump poison on the place both wild and domestic animals enjoy.
Where once I had an oasis of beauty; filled with birds and bugs and chipmunks and rabbits. I now have a decapitated husk of it's former self.
I like my little patch of grass in the back, it's comfy to sit on and chill.
I just mulched the fuck outta my front lawn tho
I care about weeds but it's because it seems like the only things that pop up without me putting them there are invasive.