SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- In 2017, a small group of South Dakotans, immigrants, refugees, longtime residents, and allies came together to create an organization that would amplify the voices of the marginalized and build bridges of understanding across South Dakota. South Dakota Voices for Peace was born.

"So this organic group got together and now 8 years later, you know we are a full-fledged non-profit with an operating budget and 12 employees, and each one of our team members has an equal amount of passion for their jobs and their roles here," said Taneeza Islam.

From the beginning, its mission was clear: to educate, advocate, and empower. Taneeza Islam is the CEO; she's a lawyer and a former candidate for Mayor of Sioux Falls.

"We have five main programming areas, and what we are

See Full Page