Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
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ILLINOIS - The National Coalition on Racism in Sports and the Media (NCRSM) will sponsor an ecumenical prayer and pipe ceremony, and workshops on eliminating racism October 13th and 14th, 2000 in conjunction with the University of Illinois homecoming celebrations.

Eleven years have passed since NCRSM first requested that the University discontinue institutionalized racism. NCRSM, along with a rapidly increasing host of national and international religious, educational, and political organizations demand that the University of Illinois comply with the diversity clause in its mission statement.

Sending an emphatic message to the University and Champaign/Urbana community, Vernon Bellecourt declared, "Our efforts will not cease until the racist symbols, "Chief Illiniwek" and "Fighting Illini" are eliminated. It is about the survival of our people! It is about the future of our children and equal access in education!"

NCRSM leaders invite the Champaign/Urbana community to join the prayer and pipe ceremony and work together toward a new millennium of increased racial harmony with Native peoples.

A reception in honor of distinguished guests Dennis Banks, American Indian Movement Grand Governing Council; Vernon Bellecourt, President NCRSM, and Don Messec, NCRSM Board of Directors will begin at 7:30 p.m. October 13th in Lincoln Hall 304, 702 South Wright Street. A press conference will be held October 14th at 10:30 a.m. before the ecumenical prayer and pipe ceremony that will take place front of UIUC Football Stadium at 11:30 a.m.

Following the prayer ceremony educational sessions and organizational workshops will be held in Lincoln Hall 304, 702 South Wright Street, Urbana, IL.