LONG LIVE MC DIVISION

Long Live MC was formed in August of 2022 by Denet Christopher, Patrick Christopher, and Tristan Teichmeier in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with intentions to help spread awareness to mental health and suicide awareness in honor of Denet and Patrick's late brother, Manny Christopher. What began as a small movement in memory of a friend quickly gained traction in the community of Sioux Falls. After just a few short months, LLMC started awarding scholarships, hosting mental health seminars, and giving back to the local area through giveaways and partnerships.

With LLMC now fully transitioned to Better South Dakota, the team has persistent aspirations to push the limit to how much good can truly come from such an initial tragedy. In September of 2025, Better South Dakota launched the Long Live MC Division, a dedicated initiative supporting our partnership with Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota. Each year, the division awards two scholarships in Manny’s memory. One to a business student and one to a member of the Tigers football program, honoring the academic and athletic paths Manny proudly pursued during his time at DWU.

Learn more about the Long Live MC Scholarships here.

MANNY'S STORY

Emmanuel "Manny" Gbegbe Christopher was a son, a brother, a relative, and a friend to many.

Manny was rugged. He was raw. He was, as he claimed - "built different." Through this tough persona, Manny was kind, bubbly, and loved like it was his mission. As everyone would agree, his smile was immensely contagious and his laugh had no language barrier. His presence inhabited any and every room.

Manny was born in Nairobi, Kenya to Christopher and Blandina Yuyada. The family is originally from South Sudan but relocated to Nairobi, Kenya as refugees and settled there for a time, before Immigrating to the United States in 2000. Sioux Falls, South Dakota is where he grew up and began his life. He attended Oscar Howe Elementary School, Memorial Middle School, and graduated from Roosevelt High School. He was passionate about sports from an early age. As a fierce competitor, he excelled in basketball and football.

He furthered his education at Dakota Wesleyan University where he continued to play football and graduated in 2020. He shined as a football player and was a leader on and off the field. Additionally, he was pursuing a master’s degree in Business at Dakota Wesleyan University. Manny’s love for sports continued as he was a volunteer coach at his alma mater, Roosevelt High School. He had an immediate connection and left a positive impact on the players, coaches, and staff. He was friendly, funny, strong-willed and fearless to voice his opinions, whether popular or unpopular.

Emmanuel died of suicide on January 24, 2021 at only 23 years of age.

Manny leaves behind a legacy of competitiveness, a treacherous work ethic, a passion for always putting others first, and an energy and joyfulness that are irreplaceable.