American Indians say discrimination in Rapid City, South Dakota, isn't something new.

Mary Wright, a co-founder of the nonprofit People Against Racism, has been in the city for 55 years. She said she has experienced discrimination throughout her life.

"You just have to speak up, say hey, I live in this town, and some of our residents are being treated badly. I'm not going to stand for it," Wright said at a public forum and potluck last night, The Rapid City Journal reported.

Anita Afraid of Lightning came to the meeting because her brother was a victim of the recent drive-by attacks. "I don't think anything will change," she said. "Profiling against Native Americans runs deep."

Dolly Red Elk, whose brother was the killed 26 years ago, agreed. "It's time to start seeing us as human beings, because we are," she said. "We deserve respect."

A group of teens face charges for the attacks.

Get the Story:
Crimes against Natives spur community meeting (The Rapid City Journal 3/30)

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