LRC Mourns the Loss of Neegawnwaywidung (Clyde Bellecourt)

The Legal Rights Center is deeply saddened by the passing of Neegawnwaywidung (Clyde Bellecourt) and the loss this represents for our community, our Native American neighbors, and for everyone involved in the fight for justice. Over 50 years ago, it was Clyde’s vision that helped create the Legal Rights Center. His passion for equity and his belief in community empowerment were the flames that ignited and sustained a movement. It was Clyde and the American Indian Movement, in partnership with Black community activists from North Minneapolis, who worked together to found a law firm that was by and for people of color. Clyde continued to lead the Legal Rights Center throughout his life, serving on our Board of Directors for almost 50 years.
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We send our deep condolences to Peggy, the entire Bellecourt family, and to all who are mourning. At this very difficult moment, we know that Clyde would encourage us to continue living into our values and fighting for what is right. We will honor Clyde’s legacy by continuing to relentlessly pursue our mission of working with our communities to seek justice and promote racial equity for those to whom it has been historically denied. As Clyde told us in his autobiography, The Thunder Before the Storm, “If you don’t get out and do the damn hard work, it ain’t going to happen.” We will continue to do the hard work every day as we honor his memory.