Philip Yenyo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Philip Yenyo
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| Born | |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former Executive director of the American Indian Movement of Ohio chapter Activist |
| Years active | 1993–7 April 2021 |
| Organization | American Indian Movement Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance |
Philip Yenyo is an important Native American activist. He works to protect the rights and culture of indigenous people. He is well-known for leading efforts against using Native American images as sports mascots.
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Philip Yenyo's Activism
Philip Yenyo was the leader of the American Indian Movement of Ohio (Ohio AIM). This group works for the rights of Native Americans. He also helped lead The Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance. This organization supports indigenous people. It helps protect the cultural heritage and human rights of Native Americans in Northeast Ohio.
Protesting Sports Mascots
Yenyo has spent a lot of time protesting the use of the Chief Wahoo mascot. This mascot was used by the Cleveland Indians baseball team. He believes both the team's name and its logo should be changed. Yenyo explained that the "red-face, smiling savage" image harms Native American culture. He said, "This imagery, most sports teams are named after animals and they put us in that same category. We're human beings. We're still a living culture and we still exist."
Understanding Sacred Symbols
Yenyo also talks about how important certain items are to Native Americans. He explains that a feather is sacred to them. He compares it to how a cross is sacred to Christians. He hopes this helps people understand why these symbols should not be used as mascots. He wants people to see how it affects Native Americans as people.
Personal Life
Philip Yenyo is of Mexica descent.
See also
