Centennial High Alumni Network
It's Time to discuss this Issue. The Mascot
One of the most precious titles I have been called in my life is the title "Centennial Apache" Seeing the profile of that Native American in that Head Dress still makes me well up with pride.
But lately there have seen discussions regarding the Native American mascots as insulst to America's original people.
With the pressure to change the name of the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indian's names and mascots, I can't be blind to the fact that my beloved school may need to change it's name and logo too.
I was a militant activist back in the day in fact a member of the Black Panther party on Stockwell. I wanted to challenge our cross town rivals mascot. The Compton Tarbabes. It is a derogatory name for African Americans. I recently read an article in the L.A. Times regarding changing their Name and logo and I still support it,
But am I being a hypocrite by denouncing Compton's Tarbabe and defending Centennial's Apache?
I am not calling for a change. That is not the purpose of this blog. I am simply asking for discussion. I just can't be silent anymore.
Phoebe Macon
Hi Gordon,
I personally do not see a need to change our Centennial "Apache" Mascot. Historically many African Americans; as well as Asians and Europeans intermingled and married Indians (therefore there are Black Indians in America). The Apache, Seminole, Cherokee, and many more Indians migrated in the Southern States, as well as Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas and other states. Personally, my family has Cherokee Indian in their blood. My Great-Great Grandmother and my Great Grandmother both had dark complexions but they looked just like full blooded Indians (with the long Indian type hair and all). So I personally know and believe that (those Centennial Apaches) that have Indian in their blood are "proud" to have and Apache Indian as their Mascot. Having an Apache Indian as our Mascot means that we are living our historical truth by celebrating our School and Apache heritage.
Now, as for the Compton High School "Tarbabes" Mascot name. The tarbabe or tar-baby name came about from the childhood book story Br'er Rabbit. The tarbaby in the story book was a doll made out of tar. The book was written during slavery time. When we hear the word "tar" we usually think of the word "black" and think of the black tar that they pour down on the roads. I'm guessing that maybe Compton High kept the Tarbabe Mascot name initially because the school was predominantly white when it opened as a High School. Sometimes change is hard or difficult and maybe no one wanted to rock the boat over at Compton High School. Anyway it will be very interesting to see if they will keep the "Tarbabes" name or change it after all these years?
Anyway Gordon those are my thoughts (great post) & God bless!!
Love and Blessings, Phoebe Macon c/o '75
Apr 22, 2014
Gordon Marble
Thanks Phoebe the woman who helped raise me, my great grandmother, her profile looked like the Native American on the "Indian Head Nickle" Yes I am I am 1/16 Choctaw. Yet I identify with African Americans problems not Native Americans. I identify with the 100 years of lynching not the Trail of Tears. It doesn't matter what I identify with it about if what I hold dear insults another people or race. I would be mad as hell if I was a image of a slave in chains with the name "The Cotton Pickers". Opening dialog now will help if and when our beloved mascot and name is challenged. By the way I do not want it changed. But I will listen to those who differ from me.
Apr 22, 2014
Dr. Evelyn Robertson
Absolutely retain our beloved mascot the Apache!
Apr 22, 2014
Lee G. Herndon
Obviously we old-schoolers want to keep the Apache name. But times and people change so it shouldn't be up to us as alumni. It should, in my opinion, be up to those who are currently attending Centennial. They are really the ones effected by current public opinion and outcries by Native Americans. I haven't heard any outcries about Centennial's mascot in particular but maybe there has or will be. Let those students who are going to be the future alumni deal with this issue and use it as a learning experience. My 2 cents...
Apr 22, 2014
Howard Sanders Jr
WOW!! I would not be one to vote for changing Centennial's mascot in any way. Considering how many blacks may have ancestors who are American Indian I think it is totally appropriate to leave it as is.
Some months ago I made the decision to get a DNA test done always wanted to know all there was about my ancestors well there is enough American Indian, Norwegian and West African in my blood to ask what side of the fence are you on.
Sometimes change is not always good and in this case there has to be some memories of the good times at Centennial I could not imagine it being any other thing. I believe that the changed the name at Willow Brook Junior High School to I am not sure since I don't come to S. Calif that often. By always saying Centennial Apache's is a wonderful memory something other then that I could not even relate to. Oh as far as the Tarbabes go that was a discussion either in the late 60's or 70's and they keep that name I believe the reason was as Phoebe said they realized it mean more then what someone of another color was thinking. That all from me.
Howard Sanders Jr
Class of WOW!! 64 yes that is a long time ago. So I guess I would really be old school
Apr 22, 2014