Amanda Blackhorse – Social Worker and Member of Navajo Nation
Amanda Blackhorse, a social worker and member of the Navajo Nation, has been a prominent example of Native American activists fighting for justice and respect. Her 2006 lawsuit Blackhorse et al v. Pro-Football Inc., which aimed to change the Washington Football Team’s name on account of its denigration of Native Americans, is evidence of her commitment to the cause. While Dan Snyder, the team owner, had repeatedly argued that the old name honored Native Americans, Blackhorse and other plaintiffs disagreed, which led to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office revoking six federal trademarks on the same in 2014.
Blackhorse is one of many activists who has contributed to the recent proposal of changing the team’s name, which continues to show progress towards eliminating racism against Native Americans.