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Laura attended the University of Illinois from 1969-1971, when their mascot was the offensive and stereotypical "Chief Illiniwek." Due to pressure from students, alumni, staff, and the community, the U. of I. got rid of that mascot in 2008, but haven't replaced it with anything. A wonderful student, and now alumnus, named Spencer Halsey spearheaded a campaign to name a real-life blue-and-orange local bird, the Belted Kingfisher, the new official mascot. This is a splendid idea that deserves support.
Journalist, writer and documentary filmmaker Jay Rosenstein joins the show for a great conversation on the mascot debate and winning the war of appropriation. Jay is a retired professor of journalism and the director of "In Whose Honor?", a 1996 documentary that follows Charlene Teters as she campaigns against Chief Illiniwek, the University of Illinois' offensive team mascot. →→→→ Like what you hear? Support the show on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/letstalknative ←←←←
I had a fantastic conversation with Jay. Safe to say, he's invited to any cookout, pow wow, potluck, etc. Jay is a real one, he stuck his neck out for a message that he knew needed to be told. That message is Charlene Teters' story from her time as a graduate student at the University of Illinois, and her opposition of the school mascot, Chief Illiniwek. Jay is a special individual that is truly an ally for Indian Country. Listen to this conversation and hear us chat about his career almost being jeopardized by this film, why this film is his crowning achievement in his career, and also why he wouldn't make this film today.
The legendary, unparalleled, prolific, powerful, and all around amazing person...Charlene Teters. We briefly discuss the documentary, In Whose Honor, but mostly deep dive into Charlene's time at the University of Illinois and her experience being an advocate for changing the name. Charlene discusses her evolution from being a shy girl that stayed quiet about her opinions on the Native mascot to becoming the sole advocate for changing the university mascot, Chief Illiniwek. She has had an illustrious career and up to this point she has been an artist, activist, professor, academic dean, and icon in Indian Country. I am happy to share this conversation with you all. While this is not directly related to film, it shows how film representation can influence reality. This documentary and conversation demonstrates how film and television frames mindsets about what Native people are and what "Honoring" looks like to non-Native people. Enjoy this episode and join us next week when we chat about this documentary with Director Jay Rosenstein!
The ghost of Chief Illiniwek was awakened after the Orange and Blue Belted Kingfisher passed the UIUC student senate. Mike Carpenter analyzes the age-old mascot argument, along with the possibility Big Ten football completes its season uninterrupted. Finally, may Illinois basketball be on the verge of a big 2021 addition?
As we near the 75th anniversary of atomic bombs being dropped on Japan, we learn about the Manhattan Project and work that was done in Illinois to usher in the atomic age. We also find out how the controversy over a retired University of Illinois mascot continues to this day. Join us for this episode of Statewide.
On the eve of a vacation, Mike Carpenter looks back at the craziest month in what's been the craziest year so far. The MLB owners and players are in a standstill, NASCAR's decision to ban confederate flags brings back memories of Chief Illiniwek, and sports media struggles to find its role in the ongoing conversation on race.
On this week's Off the Cuff History, Host Sean Copeland talks to Raneem Shamseldin, President of U of I's Student Government about the legacy and controversy over Chief Illiniwek and what the University is doing now in light of recent issues involved with the unofficial presence of the mascot/symbol.
On Off the Cuff History this week, Host Sean Copeland talks to current Honor the Chief board member and former Chief Illiniwek portrayer about the controversy, legacy, and future of the Chief including recent issues involving University of Illinois Film and Cinema Studies Professor Jay Rosenstein.
The FadeAway with Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt - Episode 8 Steve Raquel, President of the Council of Chiefs and 29th Chief Illiniwek (1993) For Fighting Illini fans, the “War Chant” music has been synonymous with Illinois athletics for nearly 40 years. As of August 2017, the University of Illinois announced the chant is no more. With this backdrop, we recently saw protests and unrest at the university, as the 2017 Homecoming Parade was interrupted by Chief protesters. Steve Raquel, the 29th Chief Illiniwek, and current President of the Council of Chiefs, joins Deon and Eric to share insight into the University’s decision on the War Chant, as well as some history on Chief Illiniwek and how the Chief was “retired” in 2007. Deon also shares his views, as a former Illini athlete. The FadeAway is hosted by Deon Thomas and Eric Schmidt. Deon currently does television studio work for the Big Ten Network and radio color analysis during Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball games. Eric can be seen on the Comcast “Game of the Week,” and other sports and entertainment segments, for Comcast in Chicago. Keep in touch with the FadeAway on social media: Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheFadeAwayDeonEric Twitter – www.twitter.com/TheFadeAwayChi Instagram – www.instagram.com/thefadeawaychi Thanks to Marty Casey for our music. His debut solo album, The Ground You Walk On, is available now on iTunes at www.smarturl.it/MartyCasey. You can also find it on Spotify, Amazon Music, and Google Play. And big thanks to Chris Hartweg and Painless Networking for making us a part of the Painless Podcast Network! Visit the ALL NEW www.painless.network for more. Activate your free account and #GetConnected TODAY!
Ross has a great Illini related chat with Gibson City resident Ted Swanson. Ted currently serves as a board member of Gibson Area Hospital, and is an active member of the GC Lions Club. This, after retiring after a great career with the US Postal Service. Ted tells about what got him started ushering, how he became a supervisor, and some of his favorite moments at U of I events. Then he reflects fondly on the years seeing Chief Illiniwek. Ted's truly gentlemanly attitude comes out in full force in this podcast. Enjoy!