Posted on November 9, 2015

Apache Leader Apologizes for Wearing Bob Marley Costume

ABC News, November 5, 2015

The leader of an Apache tribe in Arizona has apologized for dressing up as Bob Marley for Halloween and painting his face dark, calling the costume a “poor choice.”

In a picture posted online, San Carlos Apache Chairman Terry Rambler wears dreadlocks, a Marley T-shirt and face paint while flashing a peace sign. He now says he did not mean to offend anyone but realizes he did.

“I will continue to ask my Creator for forgiveness, as I am not perfect, but I realize asking for forgiveness means not repeating the action,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

Arizona civil rights activist Jarrett Maupin said Rambler made a mockery of black people with the costume. Maupin said it’s hypocritical for Rambler to portray a black man while opposing the Washington Redskins mascot.

Rambler has spoken against the mascot and signed a petition urging the team to change its name.

“The chairman should be ashamed of himself,” Maupin said. “How can someone so, allegedly, conscious of his Native American culture and the plight of other racial minorities dress up in such a ridiculous and racist way?”

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