Freedmen Appealing Cherokee Nation Vote

Friday, May 11th 2007, 7:38 pm

By: News On 6

The descendants of African-American slaves, called the Cherokee Freedmen, are still fighting for their rights to the tribe. Some of the Freedman protested at the federal courthouse in Tulsa Friday. News On 6 anchor Jennifer Loren reports since losing their battle here in Oklahoma, the Freedmen say their only option at this point is appealing to the federal government.

It was a small, peaceful demonstration in downtown Tulsa. Descendants of Freedmen say they've found new support through other tribes and just people driving by.

"There are people who support the Freedman, both inside the Cherokee Nation and other nations and people of all races creeds and colors," said Marilyn Vann of the Descendants of Freedmen Association.

They lost their battle to stay in the Cherokee Nation as Cherokee people. Tribal members voted in March to amend the tribal constitution limiting citizenship to descendants of "by blood" tribal members. The vote removed descendants of the tribe's freed slaves from tribal rolls and denied them tribal benefits. But these descendants say there is still hope that their rights as Cherokee people will be restored.

"This is a day when the Freedman have been legally citizens for more than 140 years, and we continue on to fight for our right to celebrate our rights," said Vann.

This week their band filed for an injunction within the federal courts, to stop the Cherokee's upcoming June election. They've asked the court to not recognize the election as long as they are not recognized as Cherokee people. They've also asked the federal government not to recognize the tribe at all, including for funding, until they're rights are restored. Itâ€™s a move they say they were forced into.

"The Freedmen people, we never wish to harm anyone. We came on the Trail of Tears just as other Cherokee people," said Vann.

And like Cherokee people who voted against them, they say they'll continue to fight this battle, until there is no battle to fight.

The Chief of the Cherokees, Chad Smith, has said the vote reflected self-determination and sovereignty.

For more information visit freedmen5tribes.com

Watch the video: Freedmen Protest Cherokee Nation Vote

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