On the passing of Dennis Banks, a co-founder and leader of the American Indian Movement

I was saddened to get the word of the passing of Dennis Banks, one of the co-founders and leaders of American Indian Movement. Two years ago I got to interview him for my upcoming book Setting Sights: Histories and Reflection on Community Armed Self Defense.

We had quite a few long conversations on movements, guns, but also on being parents and the state of the world. He was approachable , honest and reflective with wisdom gained from living. Although most of our conversations got edited out. His interview in this anthology is important because of his history and analysis and it reveals the tensions between a warrior of and being an elder statesman within his life.

He was an elder to many and I am grateful for being able to have had access to just a tiny bit. Now he's with the ancestors. Respect to you Dennis your legacies will continue.