CEJ’s Indigenous People’s Day teach-in and rally on October 9th was covered by various city news organizations because of its strong attendance, diverse perspectives and unified mission. Over 100 parents, students and community members gathered to learn about indigenous traditions in the Americas, denounce the celebration of Columbus Day, and call on Mayor de Blasio to expand Culturally Responsive Education in NYC schools. The event, and additional protests throughout the city, sparked crucial dialogue about inaccurate historical narrative and students’ cultural identity. To read news coverage, click on the links below:
“Columbus Day Parade Marches on Amid Controversy, Rain”, NBC New York: “A movement to abolish Columbus Day and replace it with Indigenous Peoples Day has gained momentum in some parts of the U.S. Critics of Columbus say he was a ruthless explorer who treated indigenous people abhorrently.”
“Indigenous Peoples Day? Italians say stick with Columbus”, Fox 5 News, New York: “Indigenous Peoples Day began to gel as an idea before the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas. South Dakota began celebrating Native American Day on the second Monday of October in 1990. Berkeley, California, got rid of Columbus Day in favor of Indigenous Peoples Day in 1992.”
“Protesters demand ‘accurate’ Columbus school curriculum”, New York Post: “This isn’t just about changing the name of a holiday or the removal of a document . . . During the past school year, young people have been exposed to hate in ways most have never experienced before. It is more important than ever that our students are learning accurate versions of history and are exposed to diverse cultures and perspectives.”
“Padres afirman que no los involucran en lucha contra el ‘bullying’ (Parents say they are not able to be involved in the fight against ‘bullying’)”, El Diario New York: “A mi hija le hicieron ‘bullying’ acá en esta escuela y se tomaron varios días antes de que tomaran acciones . . . Debería haber programas más efectivos y hacerle seguimiento y entender que las cosas pequeñas van creciendo y pueden terminar en tragedias”. (“My daughter was bullied here at this school and they took several days before they took action . . . There should be more effective programs and follow up and understand that small things are growing and can end in tragedies.”)
