The idea was to wear a black arm band in mourning and protestation of Columbus day. I was in the fifth grade in Missoula, Montana and I wrestled with the idea of standing out in my all-White 5th-grade class and having to explain my stance or going along with the prescribed program. Being an artistic and sensitive type I felt this struggle deep in my bones and it was akin to a small death of something inside myself not to express the pain and injustice that I could see with my own eyes that our people still faced in this country. I could see with my own eyes and wondered why many could not. I chose to leave the black armband home that day but Im grateful for my dads influence that awakened me to the truth about Indians and Whites and for the strength hes given me to voice my point of view in the midst of those who see differently.
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 13:49:27 +0000