In Sympathy: Gwen Janet Oliver
Mrs. Gwen Janet Oliver, spouse of Rev. Richard E. Oliver, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Fri., Oct. 2, 2026.
Location: Zoom
Rev. Chebon Kernell
On Saturday, March 20, 1 – 3 pm, the NIC Committee on Native American Ministries and the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force Justice Generation will host a two-part event for an important exploration about racism against our native brothers and sisters. We will examine the growing controversy over the long-standing appropriation of native names and images as mascots for high school, college and professional sports teams. We will explore the question, “Do sports mascots stereotype, mock and dishonor native peoples?”
You are invited to a discussion, led by Rev. Chebon Kernell, a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and of Muscogee Creek heritage. Rev. Kernell is the current Executive Director of The Native American Comprehensive Plan of The United Methodist Church and formerly served as Executive Secretary of Native American and Indigenous Ministries for the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Global Ministries.
In addition, event registrants will have free access to a compelling documentary film, “More Than A Word” which examines the controversy over the Washington Redskins team name and mascot. Running time: 70 minutes. View the movie trailer by clicking here.
If you are not available to view the film, we still encourage you to join this important discussion on March 20.
Please register here for the March 20 discussion. Registrants will receive links to view “More Than a Word” on March 13 and 14 and receive a Zoom link to the March 20 discussion.
For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock, mickiol@aol.com or Rev. Jeremiah Thompson, castiger1@gmail.com.