The logo for the Change the Mascot campaign
Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter attended a speech given by President Barack Obama at the Baseball Hall of Fame in New York. Halbritter has been leading the Change the Mascot campaign to eliminate the Washington football team's racist mascot. He said Obama's speech, although it was focused on jobs, was a sign of change in the nation. "I know it has great meaning and is symbolic in many ways," Halbritter told The Syracuse Post-Standard, referring to Obama's remarks about Jackie Robinson, the first American American in the major leagues. "It emphasizes the point that in this country, things can change and change for the better." Obama has said he would change the name of the Washington NFL team.
YouTube: President Obama Speaks at the Baseball Hall of Fame
Get the Story:
For Oneida Nation's Halbritter, the power of sports and race hit home during Obama speech (The Syracuse Post-Standard 5/23)
Senate Democrats urge NFL to endorse name change for Redskins (The Washington Post 5/23)
Related Stories
Senate Democrats press NFL to take action
against racial slur (5/22) New York Assembly backs bill against use of racial slurs in sports (5/21)
John Kane: Racist mascots a sign of racist government policies (05/13)
Peter d'Errico: Challenge to racist trademarks shows potential (05/12)
Jeffrey Ian Ross: Dropping team name makes economic sense (05/12)
Time: Player accuses NFL of not being concerned about racism (05/09)
Sen. McCain calls on NFL team owner to address racist mascot (05/02)
Lawmakers demand action over use of racial slur by NFL team (05/01)
Nicholet Deschine: The reality of eliminating a racist mascot (04/30)
Oneida Nation urges discipline for Washington NFL team owner (04/30)
NCAI slams racist comments attributed to owner of NBA team (04/28)
Join the Conversation
