Native American support group Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance is once again calling for the removal of the Chief Wahoo logo from all Cleveland Indians uniforms and merchandise.
Support group leaders Marjorie Villafane and Ferne Clements believe the logo is a racist, out-of-date logo, and after decades of protests against the logo, it's time for Chief Wahoo to be phased-out completely.
Villafane, who is of Native American decent, told newsnet5.com she also questioning whether Cleveland Indians banners posted on city power poles in front of Progressive Field have the proper city permits.
The banners show Indians players wearing the Chief Wahoo logo.
"Change the name, change the logo. It's simple as that," said Villafane. "I don't think it's a nitpicking issue, if it's dangerous to the public I think they should take down the banners."
Cleveland Councilman Zach Reed told newsnet5.com he believes the banners do not have the proper permits.
Reed said he checked with the city division of licenses and assessments and believes permits for the banners haven't been filed for 20 years.
Still the Cleveland Mayor's office and the Cleveland Indians believe the banners have been given the proper approval through the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.
Either way, Villafane and Clements want Chief Wahoo logo removed.
"It's very racist, it's very derogatory," said Clements. "There is no place in this country for this type of racism anymore."
