POLITICS: Barack Obama became an honorary member of a Native American tribe MONDAY
Tuesday, May 20, 2008

US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama became an honorary member of a Native American tribe Monday and promised policies to help tribal people if he wins the White House in November.
The Illinois senator who is leading rival Hillary Clinton in their race for the party’s presidential nomination, joined the Crow Nation, a tribe of some 12,100 members in Montana, taking on a native name and honorary parents in a traditional ceremony.
Obama was “adopted” by Hartford and Mary BlackEagle (top right) and given the name Barack Black Eagle which means “one who helps all people of this land”.
“I was just adopted into the tribe, so I’m still working on my pronunciation,” Senator Obama told a crowd after stumbling over some of the native names.
“I like my new name, Barack Black Eagle,” he said. “That is a good name.”








59 Comments
1.
Da Glamourous 1...
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
U gotta love him… Obama 08!!!
2.
Enneirda07
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
FIRST!!! thats a good look for Obama!
3.
JstBReal
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
I’m feeling Barack alot more nowadays. I think its madd coo being part of history and one day I can say I voted for our first black president. Also I liked how my boy stood up for his wife when the media tried to manipulate her words when she said for the first time she liked America..you dnt play a blk man bout his woman lol.
4.
Cortney
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
damn, who doesn’t love Barack??
yes we can!
5.
PGHNNC
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
GO BARACK!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!
6.
OBAMA SUPPORTER
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
He is definitely unifying people across the cultural spectrum! Way to go Barack!
OBAMA ‘08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7.
kelly223
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
I support Obama.
8.
Kenyana
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Wow! I absoutly love him and he’s helping my people out both black/natives yea. Barack!
And he stood up for his girl, they know what time it is, go ahead with all that mess. Barack is whats up.
9.
OyVey!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Haha! This is cool and cute at the same time!
Go Barack Black Eagle
10.
Shorty
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
I really like Borack, He really is sincere about what he does and plans on doing if elected. I honestly think he will make a difference. Its just sad that the majority of America is racist and can’t seem to get passed the whole color issue.
We should be worried about the future of this land, with the whole Bush-McCain thing going on, God only knows what will happen to our future. I feel very afraid if McCain becomes our president he already has the same agenda Bush has and we already see what 8 years of Bush has done. Bush has truely destroyed our economy and created nothing but enemies throughout the world.
I feel this way and I am neither black or white, I am hispanic.
Please vote… Borack will need all the support he can get.
11.
Dame
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Go Barack!!!!
12.
UM...I GUESS
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
♥obama.
13.
gg boo
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
wow that is so interesting to see. i think this man, whether he wins or not, (which i hope he does) has already made some big changes and helped the country unite. the photos here are so beautiful…i really hope the country can get past some of its racist ways so that the future can be better for everyone.
14.
Askme
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Yet another example that peoples of all colors and backgrounds are feeling the spirit of his message. The man clearly has values that resonates with the collective views of voters every-where. Again, nothing to do with thinking he will save the world - just refreshing to see a contender with a real chance and a lot to offer.
His potential excites me.
15.
Lola AM
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
REGISTER NOW TO VOTE IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS!!! IT’S NOT TOO LATE!!!
16.
kaykay
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
too cute! I *heart* you Barack…can’t wait till the parade in DC in Jan!
17.
Emma V's Great-Grandaughter
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
I like his new name.
18.
sassydancer
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Obama is sooooooo kewl just have to Love him….God Bless You Obama!!!!
19.
African princess
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Another reason for the haters to say he aint black enough!
20.
stacy h.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
this is very cool!
21.
STLCHICK
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Lol @ Barack Black Eagle. I have to wonder where his motives are coming from, I mean was he interested in his Native American heritage before he began running for the presidency? I can’t answer that question but it was just a thought.
22.
MS TRUTH
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Go Obama!! I am so proud of him.
23.
Liz
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Stlchick #21, Obama never says that he is of Native American Heritage! The point of him going there was to show support of Native Americans, it was their decision to make him an “Honorary”member. Their decision to do so, in itself, is a gesture that suggests that despite not having a blood tie to the group, they appreciate his efforts and his promise to support them in the future. I think its cool. Love the name “Black Eagle”
24.
JamaicanChick
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Obama all the way baby who no like it betta try drop a sleep and dont wake up!!!
25.
Black Nativity
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
BLACK EAGLE O8
check+add: myspace.com/hillzyroscoe
26.
obamamomma
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Barack is the man!
27.
Sweets
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
THAT’S WHAT’S UP, GO OBAMA!!!!
~SWEETS~
28.
TG...
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Name another presidential candidate in recent history that put it down like this! This man is taking the country by storm, and the way he is put the HillBillys and McBush in check… my kind of dude. He gets my vote…
YES WE CAN!!
29.
Lullaby
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Big up to the NATIVE AMERICANS, you guys been through a lot in this country as well!!! Go Barack Black Eagle!!! History happening before our eyes. I will be able to tell my future children how it was when the first black president of the USA was elected. I know he already won the elections, he owns this, there’s no doubt in my mind.
30.
CynnNaNa
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
I hope Barack wins. It would be great to have someone stand up for Native Americans and our rights. We’ve hand so many treaties broken, and today we still are getting the shaft. I know every other tribe is thinking,….we should have done that.
Man, I wish I could have been there.
31.
Holleywood
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
A very nice article, thanks for keeping us on top of things J. Dakar!
32.
Fixico
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
“He was given a Crow name, AWE KOOTA BILXPAAK KOOXSHIIWIASH, which translates to “he who helps all people of the land.”
He said his name was Barack Black Eagle because that’s the family that adopted him. But his name given by the Crow people is AWE KOOTA BILPAAK KOOXSHIWIASH. \
Just wanted to clear that up.
Natives for Obama 08!
33.
silly_rabbit
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
I love Obama and I’m happy he didn’t forget about Native Americans. I feel like so often they’re invisible in our society, which I REALLY hope is about to change!
34.
Becca the Promo Mami
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
The Native American people are a neglected demographic - GO BARACK - for getting in those niche markets!
35.
Katrina
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Time to UNIFY!!! Many African-Americans have Native blood running through thier veins. I’m one!!! What a beautiful thing to read about this afternoon. Thank you ConcreteLoop! To all nations of these United States are time has come to unite. VOTE!!!
BARACK , BLACK EAGLE = UNITY and STRENGTH
36.
Katrina
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
My fault “our” time has come. LOL, WOW
37.
DH
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Wonderful!!!!!!!! I am glad that President Obama has committed policies to helping the Native American population. Everyone forgets about the Native American population, even though they are the native founders of this country.
38.
FORMER HILLARY SUPPORTER....
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Barrack has won me over hands down…Hillary has been a disappointment..IF she had the integrity I thought she had she would have stepped down long ago and got her supporters to unite behind Obama… She is acting just like George Bush, forging ahead inspite of the facts and operating outside of reality….I dont know what is wrong with her….You have to know when you have given it your best shot and the time is come for you to let something go…
DJ MUTHA
39.
Lovehate
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
That is sooo cool!! i love obama and my respect for him has reached sky high after reading this… OBAMA 08!!!!!!
40.
sassydancer
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
keep supporting Obama Native Americans he is the only one running who acknowledges your race of people…GO GO OBAMA!!!!!!!
41.
o really
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
good to see native americans on his side. i think this country did them dirty and continue to. they were natives but bcuz so many were killed of they are a minority. white americans bred blks and killed natives. its past time that we unite and work together and I hope barrack will do that.
kizzy from roots said never trust them 2faced whites like HiLIARy and McKlan
42.
Keli
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Still not sold…
43.
the floacist
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
I love seeing Obama posts, its really heart warming for me to see. I try and comment every time there is one on CL (for some reason, when they’re posted on other black oriented blogs, it seems so superficial and meaningless).
#10
Hispanic is not a race. You’re not black or white, so what are you?
44.
Kia Carter--Call Me When Rihanna Can Sing..In That Case I Wont Wait
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
I think Native Americans are sexy as hell..well the young ones.
**ANYWAYS….I HIGHLY doubt that Obama is going to win nor Hillary..John Mccain is DEFINITELY going to be the President and I will bet ANYONE that.
**My reasoning….
Hillary has slacked off tremendously that her biggest supporters are agaisnt her. Her votes have constantly been fluctuating, she is extremely two-faced and she lies way to much. Considering that the majority of her supporters are white, then if they turn against her they definitely won’t turn to Obama and we all know that. They are going to turn to John Mccain because he is part Democratic, well some of his beliefs. A lot of white people don’t want a black man as president so they will vote for Mccain instead of Hillary. So Mccain will not only be getting his votes, but former Hillary supporters votes too.
I’m guessing this is what will happen based on what I’m hearing now in the news. But what I do know is Hillary isn’t going to win period.
45.
ACCEPTINGYOURSELVES
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Damn this dude brought the indians out!
46.
Shorty
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
@43,,, According to my W2 forms Hispanic is a race… LOL. they don’t give us much of an option. But I am Puerto Rican.
47.
dukesman2000
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
It seems like the Native Americans are a forgotten race. Do they vote? I know my question may sound asinine but if you look into it, it might not seem so dumb. Over the years of watching primaries and national elections I have never heard pundits say a candidate is leading or losing among Native Americans. I have heard “hard working whites” (like white is the only race that has hard workers) Blacks, Hispanics and Asians.
That picture speaks volume…Obama is truly a unifier.
48.
EL PHILTHMOOR
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
YO THERES NO DENYING IT OBAMA IS THE TRUTH HANDS DOWN,WE NEED TO TAKE NOTES FROM THE BIG HOMIE..IM GLAD HE WILL OFFICIALLY BE THE END OF THE IGNORANCE THAT WE WERE WALLOWING IN FOR SO LONG,TO BE HONEST I CANT EVEN LISTEN TO TRAP MUSIC OR SNAP MUSIC RIGHT NOW,THIS MOVEMENT HAS ELEVATED MY CONSCIOUSNESS ABOUT WHO WE ARE AND WHO WE WILL BE AS A PEOPLE- MINUS THE TAGS SUCH AS RACE AND CLASS..AND I MUST COMMEND THE NATIVE AMERICANS FOR REACHING OUT AND RECOGNIZING US AS ONE OF THEM ITS AN HONOR -WE HAVE THE SAME LEGACY AND HOPEFULLY WILL BE ABLE TO MEET IN THE FUTURE…YES WE CAN
49.
jus my opinion
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
go obama!!!!!! @47 i dont think its a dumb question, i was going to ask the same thing. i never hear about natives going to the polls or anything. this is their country so it would only make sense that they vote. its a shame that this was once their land and now they have become a minority in this country.
50.
blackbabe
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
i am black, i will vote Obama! And i met many black hotties on a hot black community called “blackwhitemingle.com” love him! you can find me and many cute single women there .. like me )
51.
Inaru
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Congratulations Barack, and I hope you learn all about your new family - I trust he will, he’s a fiend for learning new things, another reason I love BO! We’ll work hard to get you elected in Nov, and will always remind you to do the right thing:
To keep living up to your Crow name, AWE KOOTA BILXPAAK KOOXSHIIWIASH, he who helps all people of the land.
Obama is the first candidate who I feel represents all of me. I’m Latina, Puerto Rican, hi Shorty! Most of us are as mixed as Obama - Native Taino (unrecognized by the US, presumed extinct until DNA research showed 51% of us show maternal Native blood), African (we were in the midst of the slave/sugar/rum route) and Spanish (with all the ethnicities that implies, despite their “pure European blood” fantasies - Moors and prisoners from Spain’s dungeons were among the first colonizer settlers in the Caribbean). I’m pretty sure Obama has some Native blood, as lots of Euro-Americans do - as we do in Latin America. All along the coasts of the Americas, there are Latinos and Natives with African blood from the slave trade - whether we want to admit it or not .
I hope all US and Puerto Rican Latinos/Hispanics realize that Obama is more like us than any prior President, and support him and make calls and pound the pavements/roads for him - it’s a learning experience, and so worth it!
52.
Sparkle
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
Well I hope the Cherokee Nation can welcome those ousted black members back into their tribe. It seems to me as if black people reach out to other minority groups but when they have an opportunity to reach out and help us, they do just like the white man - kick us in our black behinds.
53.
bigsteve1
Tuesday, May 20, 2008 /
why he gotta be a BLACK eagle? huh?
54.
stark-vegas
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 /
WOW!! this is a huge F-ING honor. these are the real descendants of “America” and they choose obama. I’m not sure if you all understand the MAGNITUDE of this honor. this is huge.
55.
STLCHICK
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 /
@ # 23. Thanks for clearing that up for me.
56.
good thing!!!!!!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 /
@ 53……what is so wrong about the Eagle being “BLACK”?
57.
Sarah
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 /
#53 He was given the adopted name Black Eagle because the Native woman who ceremoniously adopted him haer last name is BLACKEAGLE.
If you had read it right the first time you would have known that!
58.
Hokte
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 /
Seeing as how we make up less than 1% of the population…no one really would care if we voted or not.
Voting is definitely important to me. I know a lot of my friends and family are eager to get involved than like ever before. Native Americans do vote and have the ability to be heard make a difference in each election. A lot of them don’t because up until now…we’ve had no one willing to listen like it mattered…like it was important. He may not accomplish everything he wants as far as American Indian policy…but at least he’s taking the Native American population seriously. He’s was the first and for a while only candidate including us in his speeches. Obama has more than proven to me that he’s for all people…all races and all cultures.
Obama 08′
59.
ashten brown windigo
Monday, December 29, 2008 /
this juss makes me even more proud for being a black first nations
i love this… its only the beging