George Floyd protests in South Dakota

George Floyd protests in South Dakota
Part of George Floyd protests
Date	May 29 – June 10, 2020 (1 week and 5 days)
Location	South Dakota, United States
Caused by	Police brutality Institutional racism against African Americans[1][2] Reaction to the murder of George Floyd Economic, racial and social inequality[2]

This is a list of protests in South Dakota related to the murder of George Floyd.

Locations

Aberdeen

On June 1, on both sides of Sixth Avenue Southeast, over 50 protesters gathered to protest the murder of George Floyd.^[3]

Brookings

Hundreds of people marched on June 5, 2020, in a demonstration to support Justice for Black Lives. The protest travelled throughout various government buildings downtown, including the courthouse, post office, and police department. The Brookings Police were supportive and closed intersections for the demonstration.^[4]

Huron

On June 10, over 100 vehicles took part in a "Drive for George Floyd," parading through the streets of Huron with slogans supporting Floyd and Black Lives Matter.^[5]

Mitchell

On June 3, 2020, a crowd of peaceful demonstrators marched through downtown Mitchell in solidarity of social justice change for the African American community.^[6]

Pierre

On June 1, a group of protesters peacefully demonstrated outside the South Dakota State Capitol for approximately five hours.^[7]

Pine Ridge

A small group, including two law enforcement officials, joined for a protest on June 4, 2020.^[8]

Rapid City

George Floyd's uncle Selwyn Jones spoke at an event held at Memorial Park on May 29. He said his nephew was "always smiling and laughing.”^[9] The rally ended with a performance by Native American musicians.^[10] The Chief of Police expressed regrets that he could not attend the memorial.^[11] On June 3, a small group protestors gathered in Rapid City, waving flags and holding signs in support of Black Lives Matter and George Floyd.^[12]

Sioux Falls

A protest march was held in downtown Sioux Falls on May 31, ending outside the Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County Law Enforcement Center. George Floyd's uncle thanked the protestors for honoring his nephew. The event organizers for the downtown event emphasized nonviolence to honor Floyd. However, some rioters later traveled to Sioux Empire Mall, where they threw rocks through windows. Some protestors asked the rock throwers to stop and even formed a line in front of the police to quell the actions against police, but without success. Gov. Kristi Noem declared a state of emergency, from 10pm on May 31, to 7am on June 1. Seventy members of the National Guard were activated.^[13] SWAT and National Guard teams then assisted in enforcing curfew, but rioting and looting continued at the mall and other nearby stores.^[14]

Watertown

On June 6, around 300 protesters peacefully marched from Diamondball Park to the Codington County Courthouse to support Black Lives Matter and George Floyd.^[15]

References

1. Robertson, Nicky (May 30, 2020). "US surgeon general says "there is no easy prescription to heal our nation"". CNN. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
2. Goldberg, Michelle (May 29, 2020). "Opinion - America Is a Tinderbox". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
3. "Photos: George Floyd protesters in Aberdeen Monday night". The American News. June 2, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
4. Rhodes, Matthew (June 5, 2020). "Hundreds gather to 'say his name'". The Brookings Register. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
5. "Huron's 'Drive for George Floyd'". The Daily Plainsman. June 10, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
6. Sam, Fosness (June 3, 2020). "Local pastors lead prayer walk through Mitchell, uniting for peaceful demonstration". Mitchell Republic. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
7. "George Floyd protest in Pierre ends peacefully". Dakota News Now. June 1, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
8. "Pine Ridge, South Dakota home of the wild Oglalas couple officers holding signs in a peaceful protest". @1K_Latrell3. June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
9. "George Floyd's uncle decries violent protests". 13 WTHR Indianapolis. Associated Press. May 29, 2020. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
10. Lin, Alexus Davila; Chiu-yi (May 31, 2020). "George Floyd's family speaks out as they participate in Rapid City memory walk". www.kotatv.com. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
11. Bonnet, Siandhara (May 30, 2020). "Rapid City walks in memory of George Floyd". Rapid City Journal Media Group. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
12. Zionts, Arielle (June 3, 2020). "Small group of young people gathering for #GeorgeFloyd and #BlackLivesMatter in Rapid City". @Ajzionts. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
13. "Noem: 70 National Guard members assisting in Sioux Falls Sunday night". KELOLAND.com. May 31, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
14. "Speakers call for accountability during protest in downtown Sioux Falls Sunday evening". KELOLAND.com. May 31, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
15. Crisler, Dan (June 7, 2020). "Attendees share life experiences at peaceful protest". Watertown Public Opinion. Retrieved June 15, 2020.