Secretary of State Monae Johnson announced a new award for two South Dakotan “young leaders who are making a difference in the community.”
The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award was first established in 2021 by the National Association of Secretaries of State to honor the late Congressman.
Lewis was the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Lewis was one of the “Big Six” to help organize the march during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1965, he played a pivotal role in the Selma to Montgomery marches, where his leadership on “Bloody Sunday” marked a turning point in the movement. He later served in the U.S. House for 33 years. Lewis passed away in 2020.
The Secretary of State’s office is accepting nominations for the award.
“The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award allows us to recognize young South Dakotans who share Congressman Lewis’ commitment to justice, service, and positive change,” said Secretary Johnson in a statement. “It is my hope that this award will not only honor their leadership but also inspire others to step forward in service to their communities."
Recipients must be 25 years old or younger at the time of the award presentation and demonstrate:
- Recognized civic leadership and contributions to improving the quality of life in their South Dakota community.
- A meaningful commitment to addressing civil rights issues, including but not limited to voting rights.
- A proven ability to authentically bring about positive change through advocacy, community leadership, or creative work such as literature.
Community members are encouraged to nominate eligible candidates by completing the fillable nomination form and submitting it via email to [email protected] no later than 5:00 p.m. CT on November 1st, 2025. Nominations must include a photo of the nominee and may include up to 10 pages of supporting digital materials, such as news articles or social media posts.
