Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee
Cook County Board of Commissioners
Politics
Location unavailable
This is a remote assignment. It will be live-streamed at: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/watch-live-board-proceedings.
Check the source website for additional information
Reporting
Edited and summarized by the Chicago - IL Documenters Team
Note-taking by
Rocio Villasenor
Indigenous Peoples' Day versus Columbus Day, Native lands acknowledgment
Live reporting by
Will Reynolds
Indigenous Peoples' Day versus Columbus Day, Native lands acknowledgment
Will Reynolds
@willinois
Good morning. I’ll be live-tweeting today's Cook County Board of Commissioners Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee scheduled at 2:30pm for #CHIdocumenters @CHIdocumenters
02:30 PM May 24, 2021 CDT
The agenda and meeting details are here: cook-county.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.…
One agenda item in the news is a resolution to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2021/…
One agenda item in the news is a resolution to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2021/…
The committee chair says no vote will be taken today but it's an opportunity to discuss and learn. There will be speakers for and against the resolution on Indigenous Peoples' Day.
First speaker is John Lowe, speaking in favor of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Says Columbus Day does not have a long history in the US and is offensive to many native people, like himself.
"Let's be on the right side of history. Let's celebrate together, Indigenous Peoples' Day." - John Lowe
Next is teacher Jen Johnson, with @CTULocal1, speaking in favor.
Speaks about history of Columbus' mission to enslave and exploit indigenous people.
Says we should uphold the dignity of young people by renaming Columbus Day.
Speaks about history of Columbus' mission to enslave and exploit indigenous people.
Says we should uphold the dignity of young people by renaming Columbus Day.
Next speaker is Fred Gardaphe, a professor of Italian-American Studies at Queens College.
Says Columbus Day and celebrations keeps Italian-Americans from focusing on other parts of their culture and history in America.
qc.cuny.edu/qc_profile/fac…
Says Columbus Day and celebrations keeps Italian-Americans from focusing on other parts of their culture and history in America.
qc.cuny.edu/qc_profile/fac…
Next speaker Joseph...the video feed does not show names... also from Queens College.
Says focus on Columbus was pushed by immigrant elite who devalued working class Italian immigrants. Fascists appropriated Columbus as their hero.
Says focus on Columbus was pushed by immigrant elite who devalued working class Italian immigrants. Fascists appropriated Columbus as their hero.
"Let's be clear. Being anti-Columbus is not being anti-Italian-American."
Next speaker, Stephanie, also speaks in favor. Points out Columbus never set foot in land including the United States.
Next speaker in favor of Indigenous People's Day, on behalf of 200 member Italian-Member organization in Chicago.
"We are not an insular people. We blend."
"Please do not let a vocal minority speak as though they represent all Italian-Americans."
"We are not an insular people. We blend."
"Please do not let a vocal minority speak as though they represent all Italian-Americans."
Next speaker Maria Acosta with Poor Peoples' Campaign is in favor.
America must call out its original sin: slavery, genocide, and taking of land. Policies must be understood from perspective of America being founded on white supremacy.
America must call out its original sin: slavery, genocide, and taking of land. Policies must be understood from perspective of America being founded on white supremacy.
Next speaker in favor is a Chicago pastor. Rwanda confronted the truth of their genocidal history, didn't hide it. There are memorials everywhere, the restorative justice act etc.
Changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day will memorialize truth of America's atrocities.
Changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day will memorialize truth of America's atrocities.
IL State Rep Anthony DeLuca speaks in opposition to the change. Says Indigenous Peoples' Day should be on another day, rather than replacing Columbus Day.
Says the last day in Sept is already Indigenous Peoples' Day in IL.
Says the last day in Sept is already Indigenous Peoples' Day in IL.
Urges body not to pass resolution on backs of their constituents who are Italian-American.
Chicago Alderman Nicholas Sposato also speaks in opposition to the change. Says Columbus Day is important to Italian-Americans. Indigenous Peoples' Day should be another day.
Likes to call Columbus a nerd. "People can say whatever they want 500 years later."
Likes to call Columbus a nerd. "People can say whatever they want 500 years later."
Next speaker says Columbus is not without sin. World history is full of sin but we find ways to celebrate its beauty after all atrocities.
"This modern day movement to erase history serves no purpose at all."
Says eventually people will also find reason to erase Jesus Christ.
"This modern day movement to erase history serves no purpose at all."
Says eventually people will also find reason to erase Jesus Christ.
Next Derrick David, a Lane Tech student, speaks in favor of the change.
Native youth had to separate themselves from other children in school who celebrated Columbus Day, which was difficult at a young age.
Hope's Chicago will "stop celebrating my peoples' trauma."
Native youth had to separate themselves from other children in school who celebrated Columbus Day, which was difficult at a young age.
Hope's Chicago will "stop celebrating my peoples' trauma."
DePaul Professor John Burton talks about the history of Columbus and his voyages.
Says one has to be careful about creating holidays about explorers without celebrating colonialism.
Columbus was arrested when he returned to Spain due to his unjust treatment of Native Americans.
Says one has to be careful about creating holidays about explorers without celebrating colonialism.
Columbus was arrested when he returned to Spain due to his unjust treatment of Native Americans.
Another professor speaking in favor says 1492 has very different meanings for people who were impacted.
1492 was also the start of the demographic collapse for native people due to war, illness and forced labor.
1492 was also the start of the demographic collapse for native people due to war, illness and forced labor.
Next speaker, Eli Grayson of the Muscogee Creek Nation talks about history of black freedmen not being able to join most tribes.
Would like the vote delayed until the 5 tribes do the "legal, moral thing" for black freedmen tribe members.
apnews.com/article/race-a…
Would like the vote delayed until the 5 tribes do the "legal, moral thing" for black freedmen tribe members.
apnews.com/article/race-a…
Next, Marilyn Vann, from Descendants of Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes Association, also asks for a delay of the name change. Says Columbus should not be honored but talks about how Freedmen tribe members have been denied full membership privileges.
Former Oklahoma State Representative Anastasia Pittman speaks in opposition. Is a member of Seminole nation but still sees racism, denial of benefits, against indigenous people of color.
I want the next generation to know we are still fighting for equality, justice.
I want the next generation to know we are still fighting for equality, justice.
Ivory Vann, an alderman from Muskogee, Ok speaks about the same issue. His comments are cut off due to technical issues.
Oklahoma pastor McKinley Rice also asks for a boycott or delay of the resolution due to tribes discriminating against freedmen.
Ivory Vann comes back to finish his statement. He's opposed to the resolution.
Mary Graber is next. She wrote a book called "Debunking Howard Zinn." Says Columbus did not rape or kill anyone and other accusations against him are untrue.
Claims Zinn is the one who made the movement to rename Columbus day popular. People should unite around "a national hero."
Claims Zinn is the one who made the movement to rename Columbus day popular. People should unite around "a national hero."
Commissioner Johnson asks Graber about another book she wrote "debunking" slavery. She doesn't directly answer but talks about virtues of Columbus.
Meeting chair Suffredin doesn't clearly pronounce the names of speakers and they aren't visible on the screen. Next speaker is a retired Stanford professor who speaks about Columbus' religious motivations for his voyage. Defends Columbus. Opposes resolution.
Ron Onesti from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans. "We want all stories to be told. We also want to be respected." "We need to lose the divisiveness."
Attacks others "posing" as "organizations" as not speaking for Italian-Americans.
Attacks others "posing" as "organizations" as not speaking for Italian-Americans.
Says they want to march arm in arm with indigenous people but not "at the expense of our holiday."
Next speaker talks about economy around Columbus Day that supports communities and charitable organizations. Agrees with those opposed to resolution.
Enza Raineri of Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans opposes resolution. Say three days are already designated for celebration of indigenous people.
Says they're facing "total obliteration" of one culture being dictated to. Other holidays may be on the chopping block.
Says they're facing "total obliteration" of one culture being dictated to. Other holidays may be on the chopping block.
Salvatore Camarda from Chicago says Columbus Day represents the legitimization of Italian-Americans. Talks about injustices Italian-Americans have suffered. Cancelling Columbus Day is anti-Italian.
Next speaker in opposition says Columbus Day is to Italian-Americans what MLK Day is to African-Americans. Points out there's already an indigenous peoples' day. Replacing Columbus Day would be a "racist move."
Next Michael Santo. Indigenous people deserve a day but doesn't want it to replace Columbus Day. It pits one group against another.
"Taking Columbus Day away is a violation of our civil rights."
"Taking Columbus Day away is a violation of our civil rights."
LeEtta Osborne-Sampson asks the county to uphold the vote over treatment of freedmen tribe members.
Chicago lawyer Anthony Onesto is opposed. Says outcry against Columbus "arose 500 years" after the fact. Claims Columbus was sent back in chain because he "would not abuse the Indians." "He never hurt anybody."
Blames Howard Zinn, who he calls a communist sympathizer.
Blames Howard Zinn, who he calls a communist sympathizer.
Next, @kristiisloved asks delay until all tribes honor the Freedmen Act. "Freedmen are not honored by the tribes."
Pasquale Gianni says "rejecting Columbus Day is rejecting multiculturalism." "Indigenous people deserve their holiday but so do we."
That concludes public speakers. Committee chair Suffredin says written statements will be available online. There will be meetings with smaller groups to try working out a compromise. If not, they'll vote on the resolution June 23.
Commissioner Moore says board has an opportunity to put a spotlight on and stand with Freedmen members of tribes who have been denied tribal benefits. It's negligent, racist, inhumane.
Asks to hold off voting on resolution. We have to make sure everyone is treated equitably.
Asks to hold off voting on resolution. We have to make sure everyone is treated equitably.
Several commissioners thank those who spoke. Since the resolution isn't being voted on today there will be other meetings for debate.
Commissioner Brandon Johnson hopes the board will act within their authority but also think about how their action can influence others and future generations.
Committee concludes at 4:49pm.
Committee concludes at 4:49pm.
Speakers in opposition significantly outnumbered those in favor of the change to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Opposition had consistent talking points repeated by multiple speakers.
Agency Information
Cook County Board of Commissioners
County Commissioners are elected officials who oversee county activities and work to ensure that citizen concerns are met, federal and state requirements are fulfilled, and county operations run smoothly. The Cook County Board of Commissioners is the governing board and legislative body of the county. It is comprised of 17 Commissioners, each serving a four-year term and is elected from single member districts. Each district represents approximately 300,000 residents. The Board also operates approximately 40 committees and subcommittees chaired by members of Board of Commissioners.
Remote meetings of the Cook County Board of Commissioners are live-streamed at https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/watch-live-board-proceedings
Learn more or share your own tips about the Cook County Board of Commissioners on the Documenters message board here.