Hundreds Expected To Protest 'Redskins' Name Before 49er Game At Levi's Stadium
SANTA CLARA (CBS SF) – Demands for a new franchise name will follow the Washington Redskins across the country as they prepare to play at Levi's Stadium for the first time Sunday.
More than a dozen organizations and politicians have called for the protest prior to the 1:25 p.m. game against the San Francisco 49ers. They are adding their voices to others across the country who say the redskins name is offensive and is essentially a racial slur.
Organizers say about 5,000 attended a similar protest in Minneapolis two weeks ago. They plan on continuing to sound the drum demanding the change Sunday when protesters begin gathering at 8 a.m.
"In celebration of our continued resilience and fight against racism and colonialism, we honor our culture and traditions with singing, drumming, and dancing. Traditional dress encouraged," reads a release from the American Indian Movement West.
Earlier this year the U.S. Patent office canceled the team's trademark after finding the name disparaging.
Owner Daniel Snyder has refused to change the team's name, claiming tradition, but President Barack Obama and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have come out in favor of changing the moniker.
