This article from the @sfchronicle repeats an oft-heard myth about the [...]

This article from the @sfchronicle repeats an oft-heard myth about the origins of People’s Park: that the site was originally acquired by the University of California “to make room for dormitories”

But this isn’t true. Here’s where this myth comes from and why it persists: https://t.co/JRkisj57iY

When the UC used eminent domain to “buy” the land in June 1967, its official intention was to construct an “intramural playing field” on the site to replace Union Field, which the UC had recently demolished to build Zellerbach Hall. Grad student housing was to be built elsewhere

Since 1963, there had been numerous symbolic attempts by Indian activists to reclaim Alcatraz. An ad-hoc group, largely led by Native student activists like LaNada Means and Richard Oakes, succeeded in establishing a protest encampment on the island on November 20, 1969

They formed the Indians of All Tribes as an ad-hoc group to organize the occupation, and issued a statement declaring the island Indian land and announcing an intention to construct a Native American Studies Center, a Spiritual Center, an Ecology Center, and a Training School

The occupation initially received enthusiastic support from local left and countercultural groups, which provided supplies, transportation, and public solidarity. The International Longshore & Warehouse Union provided technical support and raised thousands of dollars

Inspired by the occupation’s militancy, creativity, and hopefulness, Native people poured into Alcatraz. Some stayed for a short time, some for months. At its peak, the island housed hundreds of Indian people, who established schools, kitchens, clinics, and a radio station

After over a year on the island, supplies and support dwindled, tensions among occupiers became more pronounced, and negotiations with authorities came to nothing. By the time of the federal raid in June 1971, barely more than a dozen occupiers remained on Alcatraz

The occupation was quickly followed by a short IOAT occupation of an abandoned missile base in Tilden Park. Although a center was not built, the action dramatically escalated and energized the movement for Native American rights and self-determination https://t.co/TuyvssEBJN