I too, am a Proud Centennial Apache and who agrees that the issue of labeling is important. While I still have feathers in my heart, we must consider and understand how a group can be disparaged by labels.  

I am not sure how many of you Apaches out there, have placed “tongue in cheek” and wondered how Compton can yet have a “Tarbabe” mascot. Systematically, I believe we have taught that it is acceptable to mock our culture, while also pretending to honor it; as represented by the mascot in our schools.

In hearing and reading about this issue for some time, I know that the Indians care a bit more about how the mascots are represented as savages, fierce and angry warriors, or comical representations of their people. I am proud to say that this has not been the case with our Centennial Apache. Our mascot stands regal, strong and mighty---- fighting for Victory, (right)?   

I agree that I do not want to take down our Mighty Apache. However, it is a fact that people feel disparaged by these mascots. WE know how it is to be a marginalized people.  Let me also say strongly, that I grow tired our society being so “PC” about  everything!   I cannot be hypocritical however. So,   I am biting my lip to say we should challenge our Brothers across the way. I think Tarbabe is a little more harsh, than Apache.

Brave and Mighty, Apache for Life

Connie  Townsend-Jordan  

I personally see no need to change our name, however, the decision is really up to the present staff and students.  I am proud to be a Centennial Apache, and hope the majority agrees with me.

I’m very late on getting in on this discussion, but here’s my thought on this matter. As a 1965 alumni, I have always loved being a Centennial Apache. I used to love the pep rallies and half time shows when our cheer leaders and drill team would excite the crowd. They were beautiful. The music was beautiful and inspiring. I loved it! Even now I love the memories.

I loved attending El Segundo Elementary School too. In my adult years I would drive by El Segundo School and smile. I would tell younger relatives, “That’s where I went from kindergarten through the sixth grade.” After the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the school was renamed Dr. Ronald E. McNair Elementary School. Although I miss the old name, I am happy that the school was renamed to honor Astronaut Dr. Ronald E. McNair. After all, I still have those memories of elementary school. Nothing can change that.

As I was growing up I often went swimming at the pool in Will Rogers Park on 103^rd St. Once again, as an adult I would often tell people I used to swim in the pool at Will Rogers Park. One day I noticed the park was renamed in honor of Ted Watkins. My beloved childhood park was renamed, but that was fine with me because it was renamed in honor of someone who had a great impact in the community. And, I still have my childhood memories of swimming in the park. Nothing can change that.

During my years at Centennial, I had very good attendance. That was because I enjoyed the school environment. This included being a proud Centennial Apache. After the national light was shed on certain mascots of various sporting teams, I tended to examine how the Native Americans have been portrayed and treated throughout the American Experience. I’m sure that now in 2014, an overwhelming number of Americans would agree that the Native Americans have not been treated fairly. I will not begin to quantify these unfair treatments because anyone who is motivated to read about them can do so.

Some of us want to justify the use of the word Apache by saying a large part of African Americans have some Native American in us. A lot of us grew up thinking that, while at the same time diminishing our African heritage. How much Native American do we really have in us? I’m sure it’s not that much, if any at all. Why is it we only no of this by hearsay? For those who say they have Native American in them, I’m sure they have not physically seen their Native American Ancestor. In other words, that relative is so far back in history that if there is any Native American blood, it is only a drop. My point is, of course most of us as African Americans have other racial blood traces in our bodies, but the overwhelming part of our ancestry comes from the “Cradle of Civilization,” Africa.

So what I’m saying is it would be more fitting for us to be proud Zulus, or some other African Tribe than to be Apaches. Unfortunately our African traditions were put down and belittled from the founding of this country and we still have not fully recovered. I believe we should realize we are in the 21^st Century and be more sensitive to the feelings of the Native Americans. And yes, I know African Americans have had difficultly in this country too, but this topic is not about African Americans. It is about Apaches. So, fellow alumni, if the Apache mascot is ever changed, I will still have my beautiful nostalgic memories of being a student at Centennial Senior High School. Nothing can change that.