December 8, 2004
Chief Roy Crazy Horse
Chief Roy Crazy Horse, the leader of the Powhatan Renape Nation, died on Nov. 11. Cause of death was not released. He was 79.
Born in Camden, N.J., Crazy Horse lied about his age in order to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. After returning from the South Pacific, he graduated from high school and attended Temple University and La Salle College.
Crazy Horse became chief of the Powhatan Renape Nation, an American Indian Nation and non-profit entity, in 1972. As the executive director and spiritual leader of the Powhatan, Crazy Horse defended the rights of American Indians and publicly criticized the mythology surrounding portrayals of Indians in popular media. He wrote several books on the history of native peoples, including "Morrisville: A Hidden Native Community," "Holocaust of the American Indians," "A Brief History of the Powhatan Renape Nation" and "North American Genocide." He taught classes on Indian studies at Rowan University and lectured at several universities.
Crazy Horse established the Rankokus American Indian Reservation on 225 acres in Rancocas State Park in 1982. Since he was able to trace his tribe's roots back to the people of the Powhatan Confederacy in Virginia, the state of New Jersey agreed to rent the land for 25 years. The reservation hosts a biannual American Indian Arts Festival and remains open to visitors who tour its heritage museum, art gallery and outdoor exhibits.
Crazy Horse was appointed by Gov. Christie Whitman to the Commission on Discrimination in State Employment and Contracting in 2000. He also served as the chairman of the New Jersey Commission on American Indian Affairs.
Posted on December 8, 2004 6:19 AMTo a great Leader of our nation, he has taught me a great deal about my culture, by interacting with us during Pow Pow's and gatherings. He has brought back the truth of our nation and that of a powerful people. And made the world recognize The Pocahantas Myth..
Chief Crazy Horse you are Loved and will be missed.
Idamarie, Dakota & Anton
Posted by Idamarie Stewart on August 29, 2005 8:52 PMAs the famous nineteenth century warrior Crazy Horse fighting for keeping the Indian culture HE (Roy Crazy Horse) was - teaching and making the history of 'true america' unforgetable. There are few people that could be admired as much as he should be. That fame goes all over the world - even in a small european country that Poland is.
With respect,
Tanita
I just seen the post and I am very saddened for the loss of Chief Crazy Horse. I had previously spoke to him 2001 & 2002 online, in search of my ancestry w/the Powhatan Nation. He was very thoughtful and gracious. I will miss him and his insightfulness. I have waited too late to meet a great man of the Powhatan Nation! Many regards to his family!
Jamie Jordan-Hulsey
Claremore, OK
He's a liar born in Caroline County Virginia as a colored boy not a Indian.Known as big red a black militant in Camden NJ not a Indian.NO Indian Reservation is in Mt.Holly it is a NJ State Park NOT a Indian Reservation.This is the truth not the lie they are telling everyone.
Posted by Cheryl Benninger on July 22, 2007 7:49 AMRoy Crazy Horse was a very humble and caring man, not only for his own peoples buy of All peoples.He took time to talk to people and educate them about the native people of America. I for one admired and respected this man.Perhaps if we took a leaf out of the indian nations book we would have a better world to live in.
Posted by Eileen G on June 1, 2008 4:38 PMChief Crazy Horse gave Native Americans a place to feel at home. A place where we can get together and share the many wonders of our tribes. Cheryl Benninger get your information right before you open your mouth.
Posted by M N Hawkins on December 18, 2008 8:31 PM