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In 1939, as Europe braced for war, a North Dakota pastor delivered a compelling address seeking to foster understanding of a community often overlooked: the “Russia Germans.” Rev. Salomon Joachim, of Zion Lutheran Church in Beulah, North Dakota, presented “Toward an Understanding of the Russia Germans” to the Western Conference of the Dakota District of the American Lutheran Church, offering a detailed portrait of a people who had, for nearly two centuries, navigated life as strangers in a strange land. His speech, rich with historical context and cultural observation, provides a fascinating glimpse into the experiences of this significant group of immigrants and their contributions to American society.

Joachim’s presentation, rooted in the data from the 1930 United States Census, highlighted the substantial presence of Russian Germans in the Dakotas and beyond. At that time, 103,532 Russian Germans resided in the United States, with North Dakota boasting the largest German-speaking population within the state. The address wasn’t simply a demographic report, however; it was a plea for empathy and recognition of a community that had overcome immense hardship to build lives and contribute to their latest home.

A History of Resilience and Adaptation

Joachim meticulously traced the origins and journey of the Russia Germans, acknowledging their unique history. He noted that by 1930, South Dakota had a foreign-born population of 22,617, with the children of Russia German immigrants numbering 64,455. He identified early settlements in North Dakota around Coldwater, Ashley, and Zeeland, beginning in 1884, with expansion continuing westward until the onset of World War I. The heaviest concentrations of settlements in North Dakota were found in counties including McIntosh, Emmons, Logan, Mercer, Sheridan, Grant, Adams, Dickey, and Stutsman.

Joachim’s admiration for these immigrants was palpable. He described them as individuals who had been “forgotten and despised by [their] traditional fatherland, cursed and defamed by [their] own blood,” yet who persevered to achieve “influence, power, and wealth against titanic odds.” He emphasized their unwavering commitment to tradition and custom, and their remarkable ability to thrive despite facing adversity. He argued they were, in fact, “more German than a German,” possessing a legitimate pride in their accomplishments.

The Creation of a Unique Identity

A particularly fascinating aspect of Joachim’s address was his exploration of the Russia German language. He explained how the diverse German dialects spoken by settlers from various provinces in Germany – Swabian, Low German, and High German – had coalesced over time into a distinct linguistic identity. He invited listeners to appreciate the “soft, rolling, musical tongue” of those from Sarata (Bessarabia), the “slow, surrounded ending” of words from Rohrbach (Beresan District), and the “broad, accented words” of colonists from Arzis (Bessarabia), each representing a unique “greeting from home.”

Beyond language, Joachim underscored the central role of faith in Russia German life. He described how even in the earliest stages of settlement, when homes were little more than “grass-huts,” the Church was established as a necessity. The Lord’s Day was meticulously observed, with families preparing both spiritually and materially for worship. He detailed the communal aspects of religious life, with lay readers leading services when a pastor was unavailable, and the church serving as a hub for education, baptisms, marriages, and funerals.

A Legacy of Labor and Perseverance

Joachim highlighted the Russia Germans’ significant contribution to society through their dedication to manual labor, particularly agriculture. He described them as “tillers of the soil, farmers, [and] producers of food,” who were willing to cultivate land in challenging environments – the semi-arid regions of Russia, Siberia, the Americas, and Canada. He noted their industriousness, quoting the proverb “Arbeit, komm her, ich fress dich auf” (“Approach, work, I shall devour you”), which encapsulated their relentless work ethic. A 1937 National Geographic article, according to Joachim, affirmed their ability to revitalize abandoned territories through “thrift, industry, and sheer love of work.”

Joachim concluded his address with a call for greater understanding and empathy. He lamented that systemic efforts to comprehend the Russia Germans’ “peculiarities, [their] weaknesses, and [their] strengths” had been lacking. He expressed hope that through patience and a willingness to learn, a deeper connection could be forged, allowing for a more complete exploration of their “souls.” He observed that the descendants of these pioneers were becoming fully integrated into American life, contributing to the “warp and woof of the nation’s fabric.”

Nearly a century after Joachim’s address, his words remain a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of immigrant communities. Further research into the history of the Russia Germans, and the preservation of their stories, continues through organizations like the Germans from Russia Heritage Collection at North Dakota State University. The ongoing work to document family histories and photographs ensures that the legacy of this resilient community will not be forgotten.

To learn more about supporting the Germans from Russia Heritage Collection, contact Jeremy Kopp at [email protected] or 701-231-6596, or visit ndsu.edu/grhc. You can also reach Michael Miller at [email protected] or 701-231-8416.

The BBC has issued multiple apologies after a racial slur was broadcast during its coverage of the 2026 Bafta Film Awards. The incident, which occurred as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award, involved a member of the audience with Tourette’s syndrome involuntarily shouting the slur. The fallout has sparked criticism of the BBC’s handling of the situation, with questions raised about why the offensive language wasn’t edited out of the broadcast and removed from BBC iPlayer promptly.

The incident centers around John Davidson, a campaigner with Tourette’s syndrome whose life story inspired the film I Swear, which was nominated for several awards. According to reports, Davidson shouted the slur while Jordan and Lindo were onstage. The BBC initially allowed the moment to air, and it remained available on BBC iPlayer for several hours before being removed. This delay fueled the controversy, prompting a swift response from political figures and public outcry.

Producers Claim They Didn’t Hear the Slur

Adding another layer to the situation, BBC producers overseeing the Bafta coverage stated they did not hear the racial slur at the time it was uttered. The producers were reportedly working remotely from a truck during the ceremony, and the incident was missed during the live editing process. Several other instances of inappropriate language were reportedly cut from the broadcast, but this particular moment slipped through. This explanation has been met with skepticism, particularly given the sensitive nature of the language and the high profile of the event. The Guardian reported on the producers’ explanation, highlighting the confusion surrounding the oversight.

Political and Public Reaction

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was quick to criticize the BBC, calling the failure to edit out the slur a “horrible mistake.” Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Badenoch stated, “It should have been bleeped…the BBC made a mistake.” She similarly pointed out that other language, including comments relating to Palestine, had been edited out, raising questions about the consistency of the BBC’s editorial decisions. Badenoch’s comments on X (formerly Twitter) further amplified the public debate.

Actors Jamie Foxx and Wendell Pierce also expressed their dismay. Foxx called the incident “unacceptable,” while Pierce criticized the initial response, arguing that the priority should have been a full apology to Lindo and Jordan. Hannah Beachler, the production designer for Sinners, shared on social media that she too had been subjected to racial slurs and criticized Bafta’s apology as “throwaway.”

Statements from Bafta and Tourette’s Action

Bafta released a statement acknowledging the “harm this has caused” and taking “full responsibility for putting our guests in a exceptionally difficult situation.” The organization pledged to learn from the incident and prioritize inclusion in future events. The BBC’s apology acknowledged that the language arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome and was not intentional, but reiterated their regret that it was not edited out.

Tourettes Action also released a statement addressing the negative comments surrounding Davidson’s tics, emphasizing that tics are involuntary neurological symptoms and not reflective of a person’s beliefs. Davidson himself expressed his mortification at the distress caused by his tics and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Tourette’s community.

What’s Next?

The BBC has re-edited the Bafta coverage for on-demand viewing, removing the offensive language. The incident has prompted a wider conversation about the challenges of broadcasting live events and the demand for sensitivity when dealing with individuals with disabilities. While Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo have not yet issued official statements, Vanity Fair reported that Lindo expressed a desire for a direct apology from Bafta to the actors involved. The focus now shifts to how broadcasting organizations will navigate similar situations in the future and ensure a more inclusive and respectful environment for all.

What are your thoughts on the BBC’s handling of this situation? Share your opinions in the comments below.