"There’s a man named Dennis Banks walking across the country right now, to raise awareness for diabetes. He has crossed the United States seven times in the course of his life.

This same man helped found the American Indian Movement in 1968. In 1973, he led a group of Native Americans into Wounded Knee, South Dakota and occupied the town as a form of protest. In 1985, he turned himself in for his actions and spent 18 months in prison.

He did these things and more so that Native Americans would have the opportunities they enjoy today.

Let’s not mince words: the man is a hero, and here I was, a fumbling student journalist sitting with him in the Palmer Center snack bar.

I think we could safely say I was terrified."

Get the Story:
Chesley Oxendine: A conversation with Dennis Banks (The Native American Times 4/26)

Related Stories:
Native Sun News: Longest Walk raises awareness of diabetes (4/8)