Simon Moya-Smith

Simon Moya-Smith is a freelance reporter who’s written for Columbia Journalism Review, The Cut, and Lonely Planet, among other outlets.

The San Francisco 49ers mascot, Sourdough Sam, leads the team onto the field at the start of the game between the Washington Commanders and the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, December 24, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif.

Who Were the Real 49ers? Who Were the Real 49ers?

Fans of the San Francisco 49ers may feel like their team name is less racist than the “Chiefs,” but given the bloody history of the Gold Rush, they shouldn’t be so smug.

Feb 9, 2024 / Simon Moya-Smith

Rescuing Native Remains From the Traditions of Golden State Plunder

Rescuing Native Remains From the Traditions of Golden State Plunder Rescuing Native Remains From the Traditions of Golden State Plunder

The California legislature hears painful testimony about how state universities have looted Indigenous body parts and culture.

Sep 1, 2023 / Simon Moya-Smith

Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt bangs the team's end-zone drum

The Fight to Defeat the Name of the Kansas City Chiefs The Fight to Defeat the Name of the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs compete again in the Super Bowl, it's time to take their racist name off the national stage.

Feb 10, 2023 / Simon Moya-Smith

Sharon Lewis, a Pueblo of Acoma Native

Why Democrats Lose When They Ignore the Native Vote Why Democrats Lose When They Ignore the Native Vote

Indigenous organizers and activists say that the party can't afford to overlook them any longer

Nov 15, 2022 / Simon Moya-Smith

x