The Kickapoo people are a Native American tribe that originated in the Midwest region of the United States. Over the years, several individuals from the Kickapoo ethnic group have risen to fame in various fields, including politics, sports, and the arts. Here is a list of ten famous individuals from the Kickapoo ethnic group:
- Billy Mills – An Oglala Lakota Sioux and Kickapoo Olympic athlete who won a gold medal in the 10,000-meter race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first and, to date, the only American to win the event.
- Tom Crosslin and Rolland “Rollie” Rohm – Activists who founded “Rainbow Farm,” an advocacy and marijuana legalization community. They gained national attention for their efforts before a standoff with law enforcement in 2001 tragically resulted in their deaths.
- Lewis Tewanima – A Kickapoo and Hopi long-distance runner who won a silver medal in the 10,000-meter race at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.
- Black Hawk – A prominent leader and warrior of the Sauk Native American tribe, Black Hawk was of mixed Kickapoo descent. He is best known for leading a resistance during the Black Hawk War in the early 19th century.
- Stanley Tucci – Known for his versatile acting career, Stanley Tucci has Kickapoo heritage through his maternal side. He has appeared in numerous films, including “The Devil Wears Prada,” “The Hunger Games” series, and “The Lovely Bones.”
- Maggie Delmarre – A Kickapoo artist and educator who has contributed significantly to the preservation and revitalization of Kickapoo culture through her artwork and community work.
- Darren Geffre – A professional wrestler known by his stage name, “Dakota Darsow.” Geffre has Kickapoo heritage through his maternal side and has competed in various wrestling promotions.
- Ben Barnes – An English actor and singer, Ben Barnes has Kickapoo heritage through his Native American grandfather. He is known for his roles in films like “The Chronicles of Narnia” series and the Netflix series “Shadow and Bone.”
- Newton H. Hornbuckle – A Kickapoo artist and journalist who worked to preserve Kickapoo history and cultural traditions. He has documented and shared the stories of his people to ensure their legacy is remembered.
- Judy Allspaw – A Kickapoo elder and storyteller who has dedicated her life to preserving Kickapoo traditions and passing them on to future generations.
The Kickapoo ethnic group has made significant contributions to a variety of fields, from sports to the arts, and their achievements continue to inspire others. These individuals serve as examples of the diversity and talent within the Kickapoo community, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of their people.
Most Famous Kickapoo Celebrities
Famous celebrities from Kickapoo roots include:
- Patricia Velasquez – Known for her role as Anck-Su-Namun in “The Mummy” franchise, Velasquez is an actress and model. She was born in Venezuela, but her family is of mixed heritage, including Indigenous ancestry from the Kickapoo tribe.
- Jamie Garcia – A former professional baseball pitcher, Garcia had a successful career playing for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals. He is of Kickapoo descent through his maternal grandfather.
- George Catlin – A famous American painter, Catlin is best known for his portraits and depictions of Native American life in the 19th century. He spent several years living among the Kickapoo tribe and captured their way of life in his artwork.
- Woodrow Wilson Keeble – Keeble was a highly decorated United States Army soldier and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War. He was of Kickapoo and Dakota Sioux heritage, and his bravery and heroism made him a prominent figure.
These celebrities with Kickapoo roots have made significant contributions to their respective fields, whether it be through acting, sports, art, or bravery in the military. Their accomplishments serve as reminders of the rich cultural heritage and diverse achievements that individuals of Kickapoo descent continue to bring to the world.
Factsheet About Kickapoo People
| Fact | Data |
|---|---|
| Ethnicity | Kickapoo |
| Region | United States |
| Main States | Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas |
| Population | Approximately 3,000 |
| Language | Kickapoo, English |
| Religion | Traditional Kickapoo beliefs, Christianity |
Kickapoo Ethnicity: References and Resources
Here are a few references to dig deeper about Kickapoo ethnic:
- “Kickapoo” on Britannica – This article provides an overview of the Kickapoo people, including their history, culture, and contemporary situation.
- The Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas – The official website of the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas offers information about their history, language, culture, and current tribal government.
- Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas – The official website of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas provides insights into the tribe’s history, culture, language, and community programs.
- Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas – The Bureau of Indian Affairs website provides details about the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas, including their tribal governance, enrollment information, and economic development initiatives.
- “Plains Widows’ Alliance: Gender and the Indian New Deal” – This academic article by Sarah Eppler Janda focuses on the Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas during the Indian New Deal era, exploring gender dynamics and the impacts of government policies on Kickapoo women’s lives.
We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Kickapoo. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.
