June 5   | Dr. Shola Aromona and Dr. Kristi Brownfield  – Social Media and Mental Health: A Cause for Concern? –Dr. Shola Aromona, Assistant Professor of Communication and Media Studies at SDSU, and Dr. Kristi Brownfield, Associate Professor of Sociology at Northern State University, join SDHC to discuss the relationship between social media and mental health, particularly for our young people.  

June 19  | HOLIDAY – NO PROGRAM

July 3   | Julie Garreau, Tawa Ducheneaux, Gilbert Kills Pretty Enemy III – The Power of Indigenous Art: Healing and Connection – Julie Garreau, Chief Executive Officer of the Cheyenne River Youth Project, Tawa Ducheneaux, Executive Director of The Heritage Center at Maȟpíya Lúta; and Gilbert Kills Pretty Enemy III (renowned Hunkpapa Lakota artist);  join SDHC to discuss upcoming Indigenous art events and shed light on the importance and meaning of Indigenous art as a means of healing and connection.

July 17 | 12 p.m. | David Adler – Constitutional Conversations – David Adler, renowned Constitutional scholar, columnist, and President of the Alturas Institute, once again joins SDHC to talk about the relevance of current issues and events in relation to the U.S. Constitution.

July 31 | 12 p.m. | Carson Walker and Seth Tupper – Resolving a Modern Dilemma: The Importance of  Informational (and Media) Literacy – Carson Walker, CEO of South Dakota News Watch, and Seth Tupper, Editor-in-Chief of South Dakota Searchlight, join SDHC to discuss the declining trust in America’s institutions and the possible resolution of this issue through the fostering of informational literacy – what it is, why it’s important, and how all of us can use it to contribute to a greater understanding of the world in which we live.

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Beginning August 7, Humanities Cafe will revert to a format of weekly discussions in preparation for – and celebration of – the upcoming Festival of Books, to held in Spearfish, September 26-28. These weekly discussions will feature Festival authors, discussing their work and issues important to South Dakotans. We look forward to having you join us!

August 7  | Mary Annette Pember – Historical Trauma in Indian Country: A Conversation with Mary Annette Pember – Author, journalist, and National Correspondent for Indian Country Today, Mary Annette Pember joins SDHC to talk about her book, “Medicine River,” and the issues brought about by historical trauma in Indian country.

August 14  | Ann Bausum – Talking History and Culture: A Conversation with Ann Bausum – Historian and award-winning author Ann Bausum joins SDHC to talk about her latest book, “White Lies,” as well as her vast body of published work pertaining to vital social, cultural, and historical topics relevant to our times.

August 21 | Hannah Haksgaard – The Rural Lawyer: Incentives and Inspiration – Hannah Haksgaard, attorney and professor at the University of South Dakota, joins SDHC to talk about her new book, entitled, “The Rural Lawyer: How to Incentivize Rural Law Practice and Help Small Communities Thrive”, including a discussion about the importance of South Dakota’s Rural Attorney Recruitment Program.

August 28 | Dr. Barb Boustead –Wilder Weather: What Laura Ingalls Wilder Can Teach Us About Weather, Climate, and Paying Attention – Author, meteorologist, and Master Instructor at the National Weather Service, Dr. Barb Boustead, joins SDHC to talk about her new book, “Wilder Weather,” and how paying attention to the climate and weather around us can have a profound impact on our everyday lives.

Sept 4 | Rebecca Clarren – The Cost of Free Land: A Tangled History – 2025 SD One Book Author Rebecca Clarren joins SDHC to discuss the tangled history – and legacy – of her Jewish immigrant ancestors’ land in South Dakota and the Lakota who were forced off that land, as well as the subsequent consequences of this legacy of violence and dispossession.

Sept 11 | Author TBD

Sept 18 | Author TBD

Sept 25 | Author(s) TBD – South Dakota Festival of Books Kick-off! 

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Disclaimer: The opinions shared by Humanities Cafe guests and panelists are their own and are not to be considered representative of any state organization and/or the South Dakota Humanities Council.