South Dakota African American History Museum

South Dakota African American History Museum

The African American History Museum at the Washington Pavilion recognizes the struggles, contributions and great leadership of the African American community in South Dakota.

Laura Renee Chandler is the executive director of the board of the South Dakota African American History Museum at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. She’s also the director of the Center for Diversity and Community at the University of South Dakota.

“It’s very easy to think that there isn’t an established history of African-Americans here in South Dakota, but there is,” Chandler said. “The earliest instance that we know of, that’s documented, goes back to the early 19th century, and so when we talk about this history, and we educate people about this history, we’re learning about ourselves and about our collective history.”