Sioux Falls, SD - February 

Sioux Falls, SD - February 14, 2025

Thank you to journalist Summer Raderschadt and KELOLAND News for their coverage of Black History Month and our Branch's celebrations!

Hear from our President Nieema Thasing and Treasurer Ashley Christine.

https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/black-history-month-i-am-living-black-history/  

Sioux Falls, SD - February 12, 2025

Thanks to the Argus Leader Media and reporter Angela George for their piece on BHM, featuring NAACP Sioux Falls 4102-b's president Nieema Thasing, South Dakota African American History Museum, Augustana University, And more!

https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/2025/02/12/celebrate-black-history-month-with-the-naacp-sioux-falls-chapter/78391284007/ 

The NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B stands firmly against HB 1055 and HB 1101, two bills that threaten to restrict or repeal South Dakota’s medical marijuana laws.

These proposed changes would:
❌ Limit access for patients who rely on medical marijuana for chronic pain, PTSD, epilepsy, and other conditions.
❌ Criminalize patients and overturn the will of over 290,000 South Dakota voters.
❌ Shut down businesses and destroy vital economic opportunities.

🛑 We must act NOW to protect health equity, justice, and patient rights in our state!

📢 What You Can Do:
1️⃣ Call and email your legislators before Tuesday, January 28th to oppose these harmful bills.

📍 Find your legislators: https://sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/Find
💪 Together, we can ensure access to care and uphold justice for all South Dakotans.

NAACP Celebrates MLK Legacy with Annual Pancake Breakfast 

Sioux Falls, January 20, 2025

The NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B hosted its annual MLK Pancake Breakfast, reflecting on Dr. King's legacy while addressing community triumphs and ongoing challenges. The event served as a platform to inspire action and unity in the fight for equity and justice across South Dakota. 

Thank you to Dakota News Now for joining us and for their coverage of the event: https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/01/20/sioux-falls-naacp-hold-annual-mlk-pancake-breakfast-talk-about-triumphs-hardships-reverends-legacy/ 

Sioux Falls, SD - January 18, 2025

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the journalists at KELOLAND for their insightful coverage of Black history in our region. Their recent segment, "Inside KELOLAND: Honoring Black History," has highlighted significant Black-led organizations in South Dakota - including Augustana University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, the South Dakota African American History Museum, NAACP Sioux Falls 4102-B, and the South Dakota Black Chamber of Commerce.  The segments were punctuated with clips from historical interviews of prominent Black leaders by KELOland journalists - including Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Louis Armstrong, and local political Kenny Anderson. 

We are especially grateful for the interview with our Treasurer, Ashley Knoff, which shed light on the ongoing efforts of the NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4101-B. Your dedication to sharing these important stories enriches our community and fosters a deeper understanding of our shared history.  We encourage everyone to watch, and enjoy!

https://www.keloland.com/video/inside-keloland-honoring-black-history/10380243 

NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B Participation in the Women's March Sioux Falls 2025

Sioux Falls, SD - January 18, 2025

The NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B is proud to join the Women’s March Sioux Falls 2025, recognizing the shared commitment to equality, justice, and the advancement of civil rights for all. This collaboration amplifies the voices of both organizations, creating a powerful alliance for positive change in South Dakota.  

The NAACP has long championed social justice by advocating for racial equity, voting rights, and economic opportunity, which align with the Women’s March’s mission to uplift marginalized communities and promote gender equality, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Together, these organizations strengthen their mutual goal of fostering inclusivity and systemic change.  

By participating, NAACP members highlight the intersectionality of race, gender, and socioeconomic issues, emphasizing that justice in one area contributes to justice in all areas. The Women’s March provides a platform to deepen community engagement, recruit allies, and advance initiatives that benefit all underserved populations.  

The NAACP Sioux Falls 4102-B encourages its members and the wider community to march in solidarity. This partnership demonstrates that by working together, we can build a more equitable future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.  

For more information, visit the official website: https://www.siouxfallswomensmarch.org/ 

See coverage of the event at https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/south-dakotans-rally-at-sioux-falls-womens-march/ 

NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B Responds in support of Black Business Owner Targeted with Racist Graffiti

Sioux Falls, SD - January 9, 2025

Thank you to KELOLAND for highlighting a troubling incident involving a Black-owned business in Sioux Falls which was targeted with racist graffiti. Their report details the vandalism, the impact on the business owner, and the broader implications for the community. It sheds light on ongoing challenges faced by minority-owned businesses and includes responses from local leaders addressing racism and advocating for support and unity.

https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/black-owned-business-targeted-with-racist-graffiti/ 

NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B is Recruiting New Members

Sioux Falls, SD - November 15, 2024

The South Dakota NAACP urgently needs 15 new members by November 30, 2024, to maintain its charter. This milestone is critical to continue its advocacy for civil rights and equity in the region. Membership support empowers the chapter to address local issues and sustain its impact. Interested individuals can join to help preserve the organization's presence and mission in South Dakota. For details, visit the official NAACP website or reach out to the Sioux Falls branch directly. 

https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/sd-naacp-needs-15-members-to-keep-charter/

Update: Successful Membership Drive results

https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/south-dakota-naacp-successful-gaining-needed-members/ 

NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B Thanks All Protest Collaborators, Renews Call-to-Action to Fight Hate in SD

Sioux Falls, SD - October 3, 2024

Gallery of Images from the protest: https://photos.app.goo.gl/a74ytaqUDSKk4YqU6  

NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B Addresses Mark Robinson and growing hate in South Dakota  

Sioux Falls, SD - September 27, 2024

The NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B has issued a strong condemnation of the upcoming appearance of North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson at a local event on October 1st, 2024. Robinson, known for inflammatory rhetoric including anti-gay, anti-Semitic, and pro-Nazi remarks, has been invited to speak at a "Victory Gala" hosted by Dakota First Action PAC. The NAACP is deeply concerned about the growing presence of hate speech in South Dakota, and urges community members, state authorities, law enforcement, and elected officials to take action against this divisive event. The organization calls for solidarity in the fight for equality, encouraging people to speak out, make informed financial and voting decisions, and stand united against racism and bigotry. 

We encourage anyone who has experienced racial discrimination to reach out to us by emailing naacpsd@gmail.com or submitting an Incident Report online. Your voice matters, and together, we will work towards a fair and just resolution.

NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B Addresses Incident at the SD State Capital

Sioux Falls, SD - June 9th, 2024

The NAACP Sioux Falls Chapter issued a statement regarding a recent incident involving a group of individuals wearing uniform masks and fascist symbols at the SD State Capital building in Pierre, SD on June 8th, 2024.

Images and videos of this group at the SD Capital building, walking through Pierre and also Deadwood, SD have been shared on social media. As an organization committed to advocating for communities of color and combatting discrimination including hate speech, we stand firm in our mission of equity, engagement, and education throughout South Dakota.

We are actively engaged in addressing instances of discrimination, particularly racial bias, and ensuring accountability among all parties involved. Our Political Action and Legal Redress Committee is diligently investigating this case.

We encourage anyone who has experienced racial discrimination to reach out to us at naacpsd@gmail.com. Your voice matters, and together, we will work towards a fair and just resolution.

This story has received ongoing coverage by media:

https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2024/06/09/naacp-sioux-falls-activists-make-statements-regarding-neo-nazi-march-pierre/

https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/south-dakota-news/infuriating-mt-zion-naacp-react-to-nazi-flag-in-pierre/

https://www.newsweek.com/neo-nazi-march-south-dakota-condemned-kristi-noem-pierre-1910317

https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2024/06/11/sioux-falls-black-leaders-unimpressed-with-response-neo-nazi-march/

NAACP Sioux Falls Branch 4102-B joined community members at the Sioux Falls Pride celebrations and at the Festival of Cultures.

Sioux Falls, SD - June 8th, 2024

Articles about the event: forthcoming

Event photos: forthcoming

NAACP Sioux Falls Addresses Incident Involving Use of Force by Sioux Falls Police Department

Sioux Falls, SD – April 1st, 2024

The NAACP Sioux Falls Chapter issued a statement regarding a recent incident involving the Sioux Falls Police Department and Mr. Daneil Bettelyoun on March 26, 2024.

A video capturing Mr. Bettelyoun's arrest has surfaced on social media, raising concerns about the use of force by law enforcement. As an organization committed to advocating for communities of color and combatting police brutality, we stand firm in our mission of equity, engagement, and education throughout South Dakota.

We are actively engaged in addressing instances of discrimination, particularly racial bias, and ensuring accountability among all parties involved. Our Political Action and Legal Redress Committee is diligently investigating this case, and we have engaged with both the Bettelyoun family and the Sioux Falls Police Department to pursue swift justice.

We encourage anyone who has experienced racial discrimination to reach out to us at naacpsd@gmail.com. Your voice matters, and together, we will work towards a fair and just resolution.

At 10AM CST, over 30 members of the local NAACP and allies met at Denny's in Sioux Falls, SD for a gathering to help draw attention from Denny's corporate office and elicit a response to requests for engagement sent weeks ago (see below).  

In addition to this in-person gathering, an online petition has gathered hundereds of signatures from across the U.S., calling for the forced resignation of Denny's regional manager.  https://www.change.org/p/demand-the-resignation-of-denny-s-manager-mike-fletcher-for-unethical-conduct/ 

Following the in-person event, we then held a press conference: https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2023/10/15/naacp-holds-press-conference-wake-dennys-racial-profiling-incident/ 

Also, we've sent a follow-up message to Denny's, again requesting a response to collaboratively address the incident of August 16, 2023.

Statement published September 16, 2023 regarding Discrimination at Denny's in Sioux Falls

This story has received local, statewide, and national news coverage, in print and broadcast.  The following links are only a few examples. 

[Live] Live: Truckers Involved in Denny’s Incident Interview, Exclusive: Lesbian Assaulted By Bar Security - TYT.com 

Attorneys consider lawsuit against Denny’s after racial-profiling incident (dakotanewsnow.com) 

A recent racist incident at a Sioux Falls Denny’s restaurant shows how deeply rooted hate and ignorance are in our state — The South Dakota Standard (sdstandardnow.com) 

Press Release published August 17th, 2023; This Statement was created following a discussion at the General Body meeting held August 15th, 2023.

Thanks to KELOland news for covering this story: 

https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/sioux-falls-naacp-speaks-out-against-jason-aldean/

June 21, 2023, Sioux Falls, SD - Our Open Road Fund Information & Help session made the local news!

Thanks to Dakota News Now for covering our story.

Video at https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/.../grant-offers-up-50000...

Remember: Applications are available online and are due next Friday, July 28th at 11:59PM CST. You may save a partial application and finish later, as long as you create a username and password. To get started, Go to https://www.nexuscp.org/open-road-fund/

If you have any questions about your grant application, please reach out for help. Contact us at NAACPSD@gmail.com

Published July 21st, 2023

The Open Road Fund Information & Help event was coordinated following a decision at the General Body meeting held June 18th, 2023.

Published June 30, 2023 in response to the ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States earlier in the day, which dismantles part of Affirmative Action.

https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/celebrating-juneteenth-in-sioux-falls-with-arc-of-dreams-lighting/

June 19, 2023, Sioux Falls, SD - President Langson Newton speaks about the significance of Juneteenth.

June 17, 2023, Sioux Falls, SD 

Clip 1 - KELO - Hear from Assistant Treasurer Harriet Yocum, 2nd Vice President Sheku Bannister, and Vice President Julian Beaudion (and see the Blue Bus).

https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/educate-and-embrace-but-also-mend-sf-celebrates-juneteenth/

Clip 2 - Dakota News Now - Hear from Vice Presiden Julian Beaudion and 2nd Vice President Sheku Bannister

https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2023/06/18/sioux-falls-juneteenth-celebrates-unity-stands-shoulders-past/

https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/sioux-falls-leaders-revive-naacp-chapter/

April 21, 2023, Sioux Falls, SD - Local leaders [reactivate] Sioux Falls Branch 4012-B.

https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/local/2023/04/19/sioux-falls-naacp-reactivated-only-active-chapter-south-dakota/70103433007/ 

April 19, 2023, Sioux Falls, SD - the Argus Leader visits the NAACP Sioux Falls organizing meeting.

Note: Behind a paywall as of 7/1/2023

June 19, 2022, Sioux Falls, SD - Discovering Black History in South Dakota: Emma Armstrong and the NAACP

April 19, 2019, Sioux Falls, SD

August 16, 2018, Sioux Falls, SD