Dennis Banks

Dennis Banks was a Native American leader, teacher, lecturer, activist, and author. He was a co-founder of the American Indian Movement (AIM) in 1968, which aimed to promote Native American rights. Banks was involved in many of the movement's most significant events, including the occupation of Alcatraz Island and the protest at Wounded Knee in 1973. While he is primarily known for his activism, Dennis Banks also ventured into the world of music and spoken word. He used these platforms as an extension of his activism to spread messages about Native American culture, spirituality, and environmental issues. His album "Let Mother Earth Speak" is an example of his work in this area, where he collaborated with other artists to produce music that reflects his deep connection to his heritage and the natural world. The album typically features a blend of spoken word narratives and traditional Native American music.