CLEVELAND AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT

Founded by Russell Means in 1972, Cleveland A.I.M. has maintained the original principals set forth by the founders of the American Indian Movement: self-determination, spirituality, solidarity, and sobriety. We are a member of the American Indian Movement International Confederation of Autonomous Chapters. As a Traditional Warrior Society, we promote, protect and preserve traditional cultures, values and lifestyles, and insure justice for indigenous peoples.

In the promotion of healthy native communities through education and activism, Cleveland A.I.M. has led the fight against American Indian caricatures and mascots. In 1972, Cleveland A.I.M. sued Cleveland Baseball for libel and slander in an effort to change the “Cleveland Indians” team name and abolish "Chief Wahoo", its shameful, racist "dead Indian-head" logo and mascot. In 1995, Cleveland A.I.M. again sued Cleveland Baseball and Gateway Corp for interfering with our right to speak on public property. In 1999, we filed a civil rights action against Cleveland Baseball with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

Although we have as yet been unsuccessful in our legal efforts, Cleveland A.I.M. continues to pursue avenues of disruption until this type of  institutional racism has gone the way of "Little Black Sambo" and the "Frito Bandito". As for Cleveland Baseball, we continue to demonstrate at every Opening Day. The campaign to abolish the use of "dead Indian-head" logos and mascots does not end there. In 2007, after a year-long effort working with local native activists, we successfully petitioned Oberlin School Board to change its district's “Oberlin Indians” team name and retire its "dead Indian-head" logo.

More information on our campaigns, factual history of the American Indian Movement and Cleveland A.I.M., and other resources we offer can be found on this website, as well as our meeting schedule and membership information.

DONATIONS WANTED

Computers, Automobiles
Is your organization or business upgrading its computing equipment? Instead of simply throwing this equipment away, why not donate your legacy computers to Cleveland A.I.M.? We have a number of uses for legacy equipment and vehicles in any condition. If you are getting rid of some clunker, why not give it to us? Your donated automobile does not need to be in working condition.

Contact Cleveland A.I.M. for more information, or to arrange a donation.

See our complete list of needed donations.