Astoria political club under name-change pressure seeks community feedback
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The Powhatan Democratic Club in Astoria is considering a name change. Eagle photo by David Brand
By David Brand
A 119-year-old Astoria political club named for two mythologized Native Americans is seeking community input as they consider changing their controversial title.
The Powhatan and Pocahontas Democratic Club, founded in 1901, has faced internal pressure to change its name as institutions across the country reckon with their appropriation of indigenous titles and symbols. The Eagle first reported on the name change push in July.
Over the past two months, the club has formed a “Name Review Committee” and issued a survey asking members and other registered Democrats in Astoria to weigh in on the name. The club will consider the results of the survey and a report compiled by the Name Review Committee on Oct. 20.
"This survey is one aspect of the club's name review process,” the club said in a statement. “In addition to this survey, the committee is contacting the Powhatan nations and conducting research on the club's history. Throughout this process, we always wanted and value input from the community.”
Two survey questions reflect dueling viewpoints among some in the club and the community:
“If the club changes its name, would you consider joining as a member?” and “If the club changes its name, would you stay as a member?”
The survey also asks respondents if they are “in favor of changing the club’s name?” and “What thoughts do you have regarding the club’s name?”
Other questions relate to respondents’ interest in local politics, their activity level in the club and how long they have lived in Astoria. The survey includes a document explaining the origins of the name.
The club initially consisted of two separate organizations, Powhatan for men and Pocahontas for women, before the two merged in the 1990s.
Members of the club said in July that the name Powhatan honors the native leader who resisted European colonialism in what is now Virginia in the early 17th Century. Powhatan is also the name of the Algonquian indigenous tribes that lived in what is now Eastern Virginia.
Representatives of the Powhatan tribes have not responded to requests for this or a previous story.
Other indigenous rights’ advocates in New York City say the names are an example of cultural appropriation.
“I wouldn’t think that’s really honoring Native people. Unless there are Native people in the club, it is appropriation,” said American Indian Community House Board Director Rick Chavolla of the Kumeyaay Nation. “It’s not much different than the racist statues and the racist sports team names.”
Chavolla is a former director of New York University’s Center for Multicultural Education and Programs and advises major institutions on issues related to racial equity, justice and decolonization. He said the nationwide name change movement provides an opportunity to learn about Native culture and discuss the impact of the title.
“I wouldn’t approach this in anger as much as I would as an educational opportunity,” he said in July. “I could see a native person coming in leading a discussion with the folks at the club. That is what I hope will happen.”
