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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  • Dolores [love/loves]
    ·
    6 months ago

    has everyone played tetris? does everyone know what tetris is?

    seems unlikely but at the same time, unbelievable that a modern human could not have played tetris at any point. my 1930s vintage grandfolk played tetris lmao

    • keepcarrot [she/her]
      ·
      6 months ago

      Maybe younger people with more addictive mobile games haven't?

      I have played it, if that's what you were asking

      • Dolores [love/loves]
        ·
        6 months ago

        Maybe younger people with more addictive mobile games haven't?

        yeah logically there must be cohorts like that, i think. but also tetris is extremely simple and has been ported/remade on every damn thing, so i'm not actually sure

    • ratboy [they/them]
      ·
      6 months ago

      I love Tetris. I remember when Tetris Worlds came out for xbox, I smoked so much weed and played it for hours and hours. Sigh, those were the good old days * rocks back and forth in rocking chair *