Apache leader sorry for appearing in blackface
Two years ago, San Carlos Apache chairman Terry Rambler was at the White House, meeting with President Barack Obama to discuss the “racially offensive” name of the Washington Redskins.
Last week, Rambler was in blackface.
On Sunday, the Arizona tribe leader posted a Facebook photo of himself dressed as Bob Marley for Halloween, complete with fake dreadlocks and blackface makeup.
The picture has caused outrage, especially given Rambler’s own public protests against racism towards Native Americans.
“This is a man who has derided sports organizations who have done the very same thing,” said Rev. Jarrett Maupin, a civil rights campaigner and Black Lives Matter activist. “It’s hard for me to accept that he didn’t know what he was doing or the message he has conveying.”
“We are very upset about it,” said Maupin, who is also from Arizona and has worked with Rambler and other tribal leaders to combat discrimination.
He called Rambler’s blackface costume a “betrayal.”
Rambler said he was dressing up as Bob Marley, one of his favourite musicians, for Halloween.
He has issued an apology on Facebook.
“In hindsight, it was a poor choice I made. I am not a racist and I did not mean to offend anyone but I realize I did. There is no one to blame but me. I take full responsibility for my action.”