Lynn Hart changed history when he helped make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a holiday and establish the first and only Native American holiday in South Dakota.

Born Richard Lee Sheard to a Black father and a Yankton Sioux mother, he was given up for adoption and renamed. With his new family he grew up in a loving home and had lot of friends.

Like a lot of boys, Hart loved playing cowboys and Indians, however he grew tired of always being the Indian, he wanted to be a cowboy too. He was teased and told that there were no Black cowboys. A cowboy was something that he was determined to become. Meanwhile he worked as a Bullfighter, he had tried bull riding and was not a very successful. Hart's first ride landed him in the hospital for 2 weeks.

He had never seen nor met a Black cowboy until he met Jesse Gillory. Gillory worked for "The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo," the only Black touring rodeo in the United States.

A new world opened up for Hart, he was offered a job with the Bill Pickett Rodeo and started touring. He met l Black cowboys from all over the US. The young man from South Dakota he was living his dreams. There was one thing that bothered him and that was when he told people he was from South Dakota, some replied asking him about the racism that existed there. Hart felt his home state was getting a bad rap and he wanted the people he met to visit and apprecitate South Dakota as he did.

Hart had always put a lot of time into civic causes. In 1990, South Dakota was one of four states that had not voted Martin Luther King's birthday as a national holiday. When he learned of a hearing scheduled to debate the issue, he felt he had to testify. There were a few obstacles. He had no money and the worst snow storm in years had hit South Dakota. Hart called a friend in Los Angeles, Reginal T. Dorsey and got a loan. The ride in the snow storm was perilous, but he made it in time.

Hart testified that if he had known more about Black history when he was growing up, he wouldn't have had such a big chip on his shoulder. He also said that he loved South Dakota and wanted people to come and see it for themselves. However, if people felt that South Dakota was a racist state they would stay away. Hart's emotional plea at the hearing changed attitudes.

At first the motion was voted down, but the following day it passed. For his testimony, Hart received the "Making of King Holiday," award presented by Stevie Wonder on behalf of the MLK Federal Holiday Commission. One person can make a difference when he or she stands up for what they believe.

Hart is currently speaking around the country. He is a natural teacher and spokesperson. He lives in Watertown, South Dakota.