Rapid City YMCA perpetuating racism

Rapid City is considered by many demographers the most racist city in the United States.

Jesse Abernathy of Native Sun News pulls few punches in a journalistic indictment of the YMCA in Raped City (the preferred spelling and pronunciation of that pathetic and sad western South Dakota town) and examines an eight year old policy coming under fire after a fight between a white and a non-white.

Here are a few snips from the article:

Paradoxically, Rapid City’s YMCA franchise has come under fire recently by some area Native American residents for its membership policies and practices, which are alleged to be geared toward excluding Natives from the premises of the downtown center, located at 815 Kansas City Street. Membership, however, is strictly available on a for-fee basis only.

Ron Gallimore, the YMCA director, is quoted saying:

“On rare occasion, there can be an altercation in the YMCA gym. As to the race involved, I haven’t a clue. I can’t pinpoint a time where this was to white people or to Native people.”

Carl White is a Native community organizer. He reminds readers that this ‘members-only’ policy is not a national YMCA criterion and says in the Abernathy piece:

“They need to change their membership-only policy to allow more Natives to go in and enjoy a quick game of ball without having to feel discriminated against,” he said. “I know I’m not the only Native who feels like this.”

Food not Bombs shares food with the community down by the creek at East Boulevard on Wednesdays. Coats, gloves, and hats are always needed this time of year.