Monday, October 15, 2012

Ailing Lehman Brightman, Founder of United Native Americans, Seeks Help After Stroke


Perhaps Tribes that have benefitted from Dr. Brightman's activism can help.

Native American activist Lehman Brightman, founder of the United Native Americans (UNA) 

and his son, Quanah Parker Brightman, are facing foreclo
sure on their family home and seeking financial help. Lehman is currently in the care of rehabilitation center in California after suffering a serious stroke.

“He is not able to walk,” said Quanah.

According to Quanah, his father will not be allowed to leave the rehabilitation center until the financial debt on their home is settled.

“He should be allowed to live his final days among his family at his home,” Quanah said.

A website has been set up to accept donations to help the family save their home which is scheduled to be auctioned off Nov. 9 if the family is unable to make their payments.

“We’ve still got a long way to go,” Quanah said.

The UNA was founded by Lehman in the ’60s and was based out of the San Francisco Bay Area.

“We have always been about peace. We believe in activism through pro-indigenous education,” Quanah said.

Lehman, who is both Muscogee (Creek) and Sioux, grew up in Eufaula and had many athletic accomplishments while attending Oklahoma State University before becoming politically active.

“My father is a very strong willed man; he has been very humble about his accomplishments,” Quanah said.

Quanah says he is working hard to care for Lehman while running the UNA and seeking help for the family’s home.

“The love I have for my father is carried out through actions, not just words. As indigenous people we are taught at a very early age to respect our elders and that’s what I’ve chosen to do,” Quanah said.

Quanah and his father received positive news when their bank gave them an extension to settle their back mortgage payments.

However, according to Quanah, his family is still far from their goal to keep their home from auction next month.

“We still have a long way to go,” he said.

To make a donation to the Brightmans visit:http://www.gofundme.com/ForMrBrightman

4 comments:

White Buffalo said...

My best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Anonymous said...

How is your wife doing? My continued best wishes for you and your family...

Anonymous said...

Oops! Last comment was meant for Eagle Eyes....

Anonymous said...

God bless you Prof Brightman!
-Your Inca student at CCC