A landmark lawsuit has been filed seeking federal recognition for the Tribe of Judah, a group with deep historical and cultural roots. Shedrick Northern, representing himself and others similarly situated, filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on June 19, 2024, against the United States of America and several federal agencies.
The plaintiff, Shedrick Northern, is pushing for federal acknowledgment of the Tribe of Judah as a distinct Indian tribe. This recognition is crucial to affirming the tribe’s sovereignty, securing federal benefits, and preserving its cultural and historical identity. The lawsuit was notably filed on Juneteenth to underscore its significance for African Americans who have long been denied their rightful heritage and recognition. Northern's complaint requests that this matter be heard by a three-judge panel due to its significant historical and constitutional implications.
The lawsuit outlines several key reasons for requiring a three-judge panel:
1. **Historical Significance**: The case involves recognizing a group with profound historical context similar to redistricting and civil rights cases.
2. **Constitutional Questions**: It raises substantial questions under the First and Fourteenth Amendments concerning self-identification, freedom of expression, and religious practice.
3. **Direct Appeal Process**: The importance of these issues warrants an expedited review process by a three-judge panel to ensure prompt consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court.
4. **Biblical Symbolism**: The number three holds significant biblical symbolism, representing spiritual frameworks relevant to this case.
Northern asserts that jurisdiction is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1331 as it presents federal questions involving constitutional issues including civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Venue is appropriate in the Northern District of Illinois as substantial events related to the claim occurred there.
The defendants named include multiple federal entities such as:
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of the Interior
- Office of Federal Acknowledgment
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
- National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
- U.S. Census Bureau
- U.S. Department of Education
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Northern argues that these agencies are critical in recognizing Native American tribes' cultural heritage through arts programs (NEA), accurate population counting (Census Bureau), educational resources (Department of Education), health services (HHS), housing assistance (HUD), and legal frameworks for acknowledgment processes (DOJ).
The Tribe of Judah traces its heritage back to biblical times as one of Israel's twelve tribes, maintaining traditions linked to African American descendants from the transatlantic slave trade despite systemic denial over centuries. Historical injustices cited include:
1. Arrival in Jamestown in 1619 marking 400 years since slavery began.
2. Cultural practices reflecting ties to ancient Israelite ancestors.
3. Religious significance tied to biblical prophecies about King David's lineage.
4. Persistent racial disparities stemming from centuries-long oppression.
The legal framework under 25 C.F.R Part 83 requires demonstrating continuous identification as an American Indian entity since 1900 among other criteria which Northern claims have been met but not acknowledged by federal authorities.
Plaintiffs seek declaratory judgment affirming eligibility for federal recognition, an injunction ordering review and processing under Part 83 regulations by convening a three-judge panel, along with any other just relief deemed proper by the court.
Representing himself pro se is Shedrick Northern while Judges Nancy L Maldonado and Heather K McShain will oversee proceedings under Case ID: 1:24-cv-05172.