As a Dobyns- Bennett Alumni and as a Native American descendant, it deeply saddens me that there are individuals who would like to take away the credit and spirit from my, as well as many others’, ancestors and the beautiful culture that they have influenced and established in this region. Walking down the halls everyday at Robinson Middle school and Dobyns-Bennett gave me a sense of pride to have come from such a resilient and powerful group of people. To me, being part of the Native American community means rising above circumstances that can be seemingly impossible. To me, “Once an Indian, Always an Indian” means that possessing the hard work ethic and resiliency of the Native American community will take me far in life, regardless of where I am. 

Firstly, many individuals seriously misunderstand the definition of racism. A racist is defined as a person “showing or feeling discrimination or prejudice against people of other races, or believing that a particular race is superior to another” (Oxford Languages Dictionary). Therefore, describing a mascot as racist is academically incorrect. The Native American emblem representing Dobyns-Bennett in no way depicts a crude or disrespectful image of the Indigenous community.  It depicts an image of a Native wearing a headdress which was a cultural piece  worn by many tribes. The Mascot of any institution is chosen because it represents strength among individuals, not separation and a sense of entitlement above another.  Furthermore, our mascot representing a race should not be viewed as conveying a negative perception of them, rather it should be viewed as representing the inspirational and uniqueness that is found within their culture. It provides a way for many to get the chance to appreciate the contributions of a culture outside of their own. By removing the Indian Mascot from Kingsport City Schools, we will only teach others that it is ok to bury the history, the culture, and hard work of a group of people whom’s land we occupy. By removing the Indian Mascot, we will cease to give appreciation to the history of resilient men and women who identify as part of the Native American community.

With the numerous cultural movements regarding race and equality occurring today, I believe that it is more important than ever to remain strong in the act of preserving indigenous recognition. It allows us to appreciate the culture of the indigenous people around us and the roots that run deep in our community. By taking down our Mascot, we are eliminating the ever present reminder of our impact on their history to satisfy our opinion of what is just and right. I would rather our Mascot to be “slightly culturally incorrect”( for some), than to not be up as an inspiration at all. Every Orchestra concert, track meet, cross-country meet, tennis meet, and Colorguard performance I have been a part of was done through the spirit of the diligent and strong indigenous people who continue to live through everyone attending Kingsport City schools. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, I am stating that as a Native American descendent and Dobyns-Bennett alumni, I do not support the removal of our Mascot. I am proud that my cultural heritage serves as a representative of all the successful young men and women who enter and leave our schools each and every day. I hope people consider this petition, to keep our mascot, through the eyes of a person whose partial cultural history is slowly being removed from the everyday eyes of Americans.