Joyce Jefferson’s presentations offer an enlightening and rarely seen view of South Dakota history through the eyes of six very different African American women. Some were born into slavery; others came from poverty, while still others were refined ladies transplanted from further east. They spent their days as cooks, writers, entrepreneurs, homesteaders, miners, boarding house managers and more. They all overcame the challenges of their time.

Although these women all spent their lives in Dakota Territory and early South Dakota, the challenges they experienced echo the challenges of all pioneer women and African Americans, as well as the challenges of living as a settler in the early West – the “Wild West,” in general.

Joyce has presented her program for hundreds of audiences and thousands of people, from elementary school students to adults. Her performances are entertaining and educational. She has spoken at museums, historical societies, cultural festivals, and historical conferences, as well as community groups, such as the Girl Scouts.

Joyce is available to speak to your group. Contact her for availability, or check her calendar (coming soon!). Joyce is available through the Speakers Bureau at the South Dakota Humanities Council. This relationship allows for sponsorship of Joyce’s presentation for governmental, education and non-profit groups in South Dakota. Submit an application to the SD Humanities Council with a small application fee of $40. If approved, the program can be brought to your community. Funding for this program is provided by the South Dakota Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities. For organizations outside South Dakota borders, contact Joyce directly for fees.

Joyce Jefferson Creates Stories in Song

P.O. Box 5007
Rapid City SD 57709-5007

phone: 605-393-2680
e-mail: storyteller@joycejefferson.net