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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  • SSJ2Marx@hexbear.netEnglish
    3·
    6 months ago

    If I had a dollar for every time someone threw my respawn right into a bunch of heavies I’d have like fifty dollars. They should let you pick your respawn location on the map.

    • DyingOfDeBordom [none/use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
      2·
      6 months ago

      I would be happier if they just made it a little easier to tell what the fuck you’re dropping in on. I know there’s the pod steering booster but it always feels like I have half a second to figure out what the fuck is going on and woops i am in front of a flamethrower again

      • Frank [he/him, he/him]@hexbear.netEnglish
        2·
        6 months ago

        Yeah, being on comms with people is huge here because you can tell them where you’re throwing them, even mark targets for them to drop on.

        Sometimes people will tell me “just throw the respawn on my body” and it’s like, bro, you just died on your body, and now you don’t have your gear. I am not throwing you back there.