Richard Oakes (May 22, 1942 – September 20, 1972)

 

Today would be the 75th birthday of Mohawk Native American activist and educator. At the age of 30 Richard Oakes was shot and killed by a YMCA camp manager named Michael Morgan. Oakes had confronted Morgan over his reputation of treating Native American children poorly. Morgan, claiming self-defense, shoot him point blank and was acquitted of all charges by an all white jury six months later. 

You can read about Richards accomplishments in his life, including helping SanFrancisco State to set up one of the first Native American studies programs and the occupation of Alcatraz (1969-1971):

http://heavy.com/news/2017/05/richard-oakes-activist-google-doodle-native-american-bio-facts-75th-birthday/

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/richard-oakes-activist-native-american-rights-alcatraz-google-doodle-mohawk-american-indian-san-a7749221.html

http://time.com/4787893/richard-oakes-activist-google-doodle/

http://www.refinery29.com/2017/05/155552/google-doodle-richard-oakes-activist

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