Man who organized walk in 1978 plans another march to bring light to plight of indigenous people
By: Rich Freedman
When the American Indian community needs a fighter, a negotiator, a man of wisdom and passion, the burden often falls on Dennis Banks.
It has been that way for 40 years, since Banks started the American Indian Movement. He led the 19-month takeover of Alcatraz in 1969, the Trail of Broken Treaties caravan in 1972, the occupation of Wounded Knee and the 71-day siege in 1973.
In 1978, he helped organize the first Longest Walk from California to Washington, D.C., to publicize to the nation and the world the plight of the indigenous people.
Thirty years later, Banks is still walking for American Indian rights. On Feb. 11, he and other activists will gather on Alcatraz to begin the 30th anniversary of the Longest Walk to Washington.
"Thirty years ago, I thought we'd do it once and that would be it," he said. "But the idea keeps going. Full steam ahead. Until I go to the grave, I'll be walking.
"They'll drag me across the country. I'll put wheels on my body, and they'll drag me."
Vallejo resident Norman "Wounded Knee" DeOcampo is full of praise for Banks. "I can compare Dennis with a lot of leaders across this country. I compare him with Sitting Bull, Geronimo and Crazy Horse."
Part of the cross-country crusade is education -- both in the mainstream press and among American Indians.
"We're losing our leaders," Wounded Knee said. "And we need to reach to the young people and get them involved."
Read the whole story here: http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_8173185?nclick_check=1
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