Thousands of protesters — including political leaders — gathered Sunday morning at the Minneapolis football stadium where the Minnesota Vikings are facing the Washington Redskins to rally against the controversial team name.
#NotYourMascot, a coalition of grassroots organizations against injustices of native identity in sports, called for the march and rally for Nov. 2, hoping to become the largest-ever protest against the Washington team name. Marchers were told to meet at the University of Minnesota’s Northrop Plaza for Indian prayers. They then headed to the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium at 10 a.m. for a rally and to hear several speakers, including a leading Anishinaabe Environmental Activist and a representative from the International Indian Treaty Council.
Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, who tweeted in the thick of the protest to #changethename, declared that “There is no excuse to not know the damage your racist name does to people.”
#changethename pic.twitter.com/R8mFv3Tbsc
— Betsy Hodges (@MayorHodges) November 2, 2014
Congresswoman Betty McCollum, of Minnesota’s Fourth District, was also present, calling for “respect and dignity” for all people. A congressman from Minnesota’s Fifth District, Rep. Keith Ellison chimed from the rally as well, posting a photo with civil rights activist Dick Gregory.
In a series of tweets, McCollum said “We are here to tell @nfl there is no honor in a racial slur. It is time to change the mascot!”
We have brought this movement to a new level. But the journey continues. There is more work to do. #changethename pic.twitter.com/D27LEx8jW6
— Betty McCollum (@BettyMcCollum04) November 2, 2014
By mid-morning, protesters were seen chanting with signs and holding up megaphones, according to the Star Tribune. Photos and comments using the hashtags #NotYourMascot, #ChangeTheName, and #nohonorinracism began flooding Twitter.
This is the scene of the largest ever physical gathering against the Wash. NFL team. #ChangetheMascot #changethename pic.twitter.com/fgArwXzQ69









