A National b Landmark y Celeste and Gary Lawson Inside Arts & Music Artist Feature: Laura Wheeler Waring Interview with Ms. Courageous Fire Interview with Lyric Sellers Iowa African American Hall of Fame February 2021 ISSUE
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 3
WRITERS & STAFF Editor-In-Chief Dwana Bradley Contributors Copy Editor Virgina Smith Creative Director Ash Easley Donnetta Austin Debra Carr Terence Haynes Angela Jackson Celeste Lawson Gary Lawson Bert Moody Lori Young DeMarcus Hamilton MAGAZINE OUTLETS Broadlawns 1801 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50314 CareMore 1530 East Euclid, Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Central Library 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309 DMACC Urban Campus 1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA 50314 DSM Brew Coffee Co. 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Suite 140, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 Drake Diner 1111 25th Street, Des Moines, IA 50311 Eastside Library 2559 Hubbell Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50317 Evelyn Davis Center 801 Suite #3, University Ave, Des Moines IA 50314 Fields Pharmacy 501 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50314 Iowa-Nebraska NAACP 1620 Pleseant Suite #210, Des Moines, IA 50314 Forest Library 1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314 Franklin Library 5000 Franklin Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50310 Hy-Vee 3330 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50310 John R. Grubb YMCA 11th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50314 Johnston Library 6700 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston, Iowa 50131 Join our email club at: joindsmurban@gmail.com Northside Library 3516 5th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50313 Mr. Bibbs 2705 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313 Senior Polk County 2008 Forest Ave, Des Moines IA 50314 Smokey Row Coffee Co. 1910 Cottage Grove, Des Moines, Iowa 50314 Southside Library 1111 Porter Ave. Des Moines, Iowa 50315 The Great Frame Up 5515 Mills Civic Parkway Suite #150, West Des Moines, IA 50266 The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights 602 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines IA 50309 Submit your news to: dsmurbannews@gmail.com COVID-19 The Urban Dreams 601 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50314 Traditions Grooming Parlor 1111 E. Army Post Road Ste. 154 Urbandale Public Library 3520 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322 Urbandale Chamber of Commerce 2830 100th Street, Suite 110, Urbandale, IA 50322 West Des Moines Library 4000 Mills Clive Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa 50365 The Zone of Comfort 3829 71st Street, Suite B, Urbandale, IA 50322 Also Available at churches, our directory can be found on our website at dsmurban.org Become a Outlet for Urban: contactdsmurban@gmail.com
Features 09 13 ARTIST of Month Love Thy Neighbor 15 Interview with Lyric Sellers 20 23 No More Iowa African American Hall of Fame 26 Making a Difference in the Fight to End Alzheimer’s 32 Drake University Donors Support Affordable Access to John Dee Bright College 40 45 A National Landmark Interview with Ms. Courageous Fire The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 5 What’s Inside?
I urge you all to pay attention to the world moving around us. At a time when we celebrate Black History month an important curriculum is being threatened. As an educator I believe teachers should be able to use a variety of sources to teach and students should hear a variety of views to decide how they view the world. The 1619 project provides a supplemental way to teach history in America. who look like me in the areas of criminal justice, education, jobs, wealth, and health. It’s been hundreds of years battle just to get equality in a place that says, One Nation Under God. Would God be happy in the path that the United States is going? I urge you to not look at the 1619 project as a threat, but a help, a help to provide information to people to have a better understanding of slavery and the United States and what the impact of slavery had on Blacks living in America and continue to have this very day. Thanks to Nikole HannahJones and The New York Times we have another perspective, another view that is different then what we’ve been taught in school and it’s refreshing to have a curriculum to teach Blacks who have always had to stare into books that don’t represent them. I ask that you vote against this bill if you don’t you will strip the very voice away from people who look like me. It’s time that America atones for the sins that have taken place in this country. You can begin redeem yourself and allow Very rarely do we take a deep dive into slavery and many times we would prefer to act like it didn’t exist because it would show a side of America we rarely want people to see. We refer to America as land of the free and home of the brave and while there isn’t slavery going on like that is mentioned in 1619, we still have issues that take place in the United States that impact people I believe fear sets in when we feel something is trying to be replaced or taken away. I imagine you are experiencing the same type of fear when my ancestors were sold and treated as property. Well maybe no one can relate to that fear. They had no voice and if they dared speak up it would cost them their life. Just think about that it would cost them their life to speak up. another perspective of history to be taught in our classrooms across the state of Iowa. Change starts with us, and I ask you to be that change today. Blessings, Dwana B The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 7
February 2021 TUESDAY 2 WEDNESDAY 3 THURSDAY 4 FRIDAY 5 SATURDAY 6 6:30PM - 8PM $25 TUESDAY! SATURDAY 6 6:30PM - 8:30PM SATURDAY 6 6:30PM - 8:30PM SUNDAY 7 COUPLES & BESTIES NIGHT! 7:30PM - 9:30PM WEDNESDAY 10 FAMILY & FRIENDS PAINTING 12PM - 1:30PM THURSDAY 11 7PM - 9PM FRIDAY 12 RHYTHMS & PAINTING! 9PM - 11:30PM SATURDAY 13 WEEKEND "WINE" DOWN! 2PM - 4PM SATURDAY 13 6:30PM - 8:30PM SATURDAY 13 WINE GLASS PAINTING! 6:30PM - 8:30PM SUNDAY 14 7:30PM - 9:30PM *LIVE VIRTUAL EVENT* GALENTINE'S DAY FUN! 3PM - 5PM TUESDAY 16 WEDNESDAY 17 COUPLES & BESTIES NIGHT! 7PM - 9PM THURSDAY 18 RHYTHMS & PAINTING! 9PM - 11:30PM FRIDAY 19 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! 2PM - 4PM SATURDAY 20 6:30PM - 8PM $25 TUESDAY! 6:30PM - 8:30PM SATURDAY 20 SATURDAY 20 6:30PM - 8:30PM SATURDAY 20 COUPLES & BESTIES NIGHT! 7:30PM - 9:30PM WEDNESDAY 24 FAMILY & FRIENDS PAINTING 12PM - 1:30PM THURSDAY 25 3PM - 5PM BLACK LIGHT NIGHT! 7PM - 9PM FRIDAY 26 SATURDAY 27 RHYTHMS & PAINTING! 9PM - 11:30PM SATURDAY 27 6:30PM - 8:30PM SATURDAY 27 6:30PM - 8:30PM LADIES NIGHT OUT! SUNDAY 28 COUPLES & BESTIES NIGHT! 7:30PM - 9:30PM 3PM - 5PM © 2021 Painting with a Twist 7PM - 9PM RHYTHMS & PAINTING! 9PM - 11:30PM All paintings subject to change. Find our most current calendar online at paintingwithatwist.com/des-moines/ WEEKEND "WINE" DOWN! 2PM - 4PM Independently owned and operated
THE GREAT FRAME UP SUPPORTS AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS ARTIST FEATURE: CELEBRATES 15 YEARS & SUPPORTS BLACK, AFRICAN AMERICAN AND AFRICAN ARTISTS FEBRUARY FEATURE: Laura Wheeler Waring Written by Angela Jackson The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 9
DES MOINES, IOWA – As a local custom frame retailer and art gallery, The Great Frame Up in West Des Moines is dedicated to supporting local artists in the community. Our February tribute features artist and painter Laura Wheeler Waring. An African-American artist and painter, Laura Wheeler Waring created portraits of many well-known figures from the NAACP and the Civil Rights Movement. Synopsis Laura Wheeler Waring (May 16, 1887 – February 3, 1948) born in Hartford, Connecticut, was an African-American teacher and artist who became known for her portraits; the subjects she painted include W.E.B. Du Bois and Marian Anderson. A member of the NAACP, Wheeler also contributed many illustrations to its magazine, The Crisis. She died at age 60 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Early Life and Career Laura Wheeler Waring was born Laura Wheeler on May 16, 1887, in Hartford, Connecticut. Her father was the pastor at a historic African-American church while her mother was a teacher and amateur artist; Wheeler herself began drawing and painting at a young age. Bolstered by her parents’ encouragement, she left home in order to pursue her interest in art. In Pennsylvania, Wheeler became a part-time instructor in art and music at the Cheyney Training School for Teachers (now known as Cheyney University). She also studied at Philadelphia’s Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. In 1914, she received a scholarship to continue her art studies in Europe. She managed to visit museums in England and France, but had to cut her tour short when World War I erupted. After returning to the United States, Wheeler resumed working at Cheyney, where she would eventually head the department of art and music. To learn how to best instruct her students in drawing, she took summer classes at Harvard and Columbia universities. In addition to teaching, she also traveled overseas again; on one trip, she was able to study at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris. Harlem Renaissance Outside of painting, Wheeler—who was a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People—created illustrations, usually pen-and-ink drawings, for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s magazine, The Crisis, and for its children’s publication, the Brownies’ Book, throughout the 1920s. Though she enjoyed working with African-American activists like W.E.B. Du Bois, her teaching commitments in Pennsylvania kept her from deeper participation in the Harlem Renaissance. Artistic Success Wheeler’s paintings included landscapes and still lifes, but she is best known for her work in portraiture, in which she captured both unknown and famous figures. In 1927, the Harmon Foundation—an organization created to acknowledge the achievements of African Americans in the United States—honored her with a gold medal for the portrait Anne Washington Derry (1926).
That same year, she became Laura Wheeler Waring upon her marriage to Walter Waring, a fellow teacher. In the late 1920s, several of Waring’s paintings were part of a Harmon Foundation exhibit that featured the work of African-American artists. She was singled out by the foundation once more when eight of her portraits were shown in a 1944 exhibit entitled “Portraits of Outstanding American Citizens of Negro Origin.” The well-known figures she painted for this display included Marian Anderson, Jessie Fauset and James Weldon Johnson. Legacy Her work, which often fought stereotypes and portrayed accomplished African Americans, was another step on the road toward civil rights. In her lifetime, she had her paintings shown at institutions such as the Brooklyn Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. Today, many of the portraits that make up part of her artistic legacy are in the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection. Credits —Adapted from Biography.com, A&E Network The Great Frame Up currently features originals, prints, sculptures and framed artwork of numerous African American and Iowa artists in the gallery. To view some of the prior artists featured visit westdesmoines. thegreatframeup.com and our Facebook page at facebook. com/tgfuwdmiowa. Please follow us on Instagram instagram.com/thegreatframeup_wdm, Pinterest pinterest. com/tgfuwdm and Twitter @tgfuwdm. About The Great Frame Up The Great Frame Up, Inc. is a custom picture framer, offering more than 1,000 custom frames, mat styles, ready to hang framed art and local artwork. The West Des Moines location of The Great Frame Up opened in 2005 and is located at 5515 Mills Civic Parkway in the West Glen and is open Monday through Saturday 10- 5pm. Appointments preferred. Virtual Zoom design available. Following CDC guidelines, masks required. CE | 2021 11
National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Bulletin Announcements To help develop awareness and respect for people with disabilities, please use the following messages in your bulletins at worship during the weekends in March. • MARCH 1 March is National Intellectual and Development Disabilities Awareness Month. There are more than 6.5 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States. During the pandemic, they’ve worked to stay connected with their communities. Learn what you can do to help. Visit mosaicinfo.org/get-involved for more information. • MARCH 8 Like everyone else, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities want to feel connected with others. Barriers like transportation needs, communication differences and limited support systems sometimes make it hard for them. Your helping hand can be day-changing for someone with a disability – and for you, too. March is National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Visit mosaicinfo.org/get-involved to explore volunteer opportunities. • MARCH 15 Jesus’s miracle multiplying the loaves and fishes to feed thousands proves there’s always room for one more at the table. During March, National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, learn how you can help make sure there’s always room for people with disabilities in our community. Visit mosaicinfo.org/get-involved to become an advocate for people. • MARCH 22 Connection, the sense of being in relationship with others and your community, is important to people’s overall health. During March, National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, learn how you can help people with disabilities feel like an important part of our community and experience better health through meaningful relationships. Visit mosaicinfo.org/getinvolved to learn more. • MARCH 29 The Kingdom of God is not just a future reality; we shape it every day. Standing with the poor, with the stranger, with those who are different – each of those actions builds the kingdom. It is both humbling and rewarding. People with disabilities long to feel connected to their communities and you can make it happen. To find out how, visit mosaicinfo.org/get-involved.
by Donnetta Austin Two of the greatest commandments of the law located in the Bible are listed under Matthew 22:36-40. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. The second is to Love your neighbor as yourself. As we develop, grow, and continue to stay connected closely to God we learn what is important to him. God’s view and perspective should also reflect and matter to each of us. The love of God is available to all of us and begins from within. It is a spiritual sense. There are requirements within the word “the Bible” that come directly from the heart of God and not of the world. As an example Exodus 20 “The Ten Commandments”. God’s reflection of love is demonstrated. It is an action and not passive. It is expressed by exhibiting and revealing itself outwardly. Love is a need each and everyone of us are given the ability to cross paths of meeting the needs of others. Let us not forget 1 John 4:19 We Love because He First Loved Us! This month take the opportunity to experience more of God and assist, aid, contribute, or help those who may be in distress. By Author Donnetta Austin Email be.encouragedbyone@gmail. com Book on Amazon “Never Retire God” Matthew 22:36-40. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 13
By Dwana Bradley I had the pleasure of interviewing Lyric Sellers. She received the Making a Difference Award. She has been doing great work in our community and is deserving of this great accomplishment. Our interview is below. Interview with Lyric Seller Making a Difference in Des Moines, Iow 1. Share with our readers a little about Lyric Sellers. I’m a Junior at East High School. I’ve grown up in Des Moines Public Schools all my life. I’ve always been invested in my community and a lot that comes from who my mom is (Tiffany Johnson, Pyramid Theatre). I have been in her shadow through it all. At a young age I really started getting involved and figuring out what I was interested in. I’ve done a little bit of theatre, basketball, but my heart went towards activism that’s where is has always led me and guided me. 2. What was it about your mother that made you want to get into this work? I think seeing my mom do everything she did unapologetically and never compromising herself when doing it so if she was in any situation where she didn’t feel like she was representing herself the way she wanted to she would get out of the situation or address it until it was where she could express herself the way she wanted and to represent her community so everything she has done has always been rooted in service to other people and I just took after that and admired it and sometimes to the point where she forgets to take care of herself so that’s where I would grow in that area and see how I could be a better version of what I learned from my mom. 3. Talk about the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award I received the Martin Luther King; Jr. Make a Difference award. This award is to honor the work I’ve done with my community and engaging them, so I received the award on MLK Day on January 18th 2021. I will be honored amongst other people as well Judge O’Dell McGhee whom I admire so much and Kameron Middlebrook whom I also admire. It is truly an honor to be represented amongst those people. 4. What is the work you are involved with in our community? Most of my work has been centered around my school district working with DMPS to hold them accountable with Anti-Racism. I think I’ve always thought about it but have never had the drive that I have now which I see is paying off it’s just a matter of what I owe to my people to represent them the best way I can and none of the work is for me, it’s for everyone else around me and just finding ways to get my peers and other people to feel supported and amplified in order to able to do these leadership things like I do. It takes initiative and trust in myself and people to trust in me to do it. Anyone is capable of this work and I want to be an example of that and help other people find their voice in that capacity. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 15 ,
5. What does making a difference means to you? It means I get to see that this work is paying off. It does get tiring and draining but I get to see that people are recognizing it. Nothing that I’ve ever done has been to be recognized but it feels good to know that work is being acknowledged and not going unnoticed just the constant support that I get from my community drives me to keep it going because at times it gets hard to persist and ultimately, it’s for my people. Anyone is capable of this work and I want to be an example of that and help other people find their voice in that capacity. 6. What advice do you give to young people who want to do community work? Trust yourself and trust your heart it will lead you to do the right thing and never compromise yourself because there will be times when people want you to do that or want you to settle for less but go for what your goal was when you started and follow through. You will have the support you will have the people who will be there for you and one of those people will always be me. I think something that made me hesitant is that I would be alone, or I wouldn’t receive the support I needed It was a matter or trusting myself and believing that someone as young as me could accomplish big things. Barbershop and Salon NEW TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD DISCOUNT 10% OFF ANY SERVICE EXP MARCH 31 2021 4921 DOUGLAS AVENUE, SUITE 1 DES MOINES, IOWA 50310 MONDAY-SATURDAY 8AM TO 9PM
Dear Editor, The fact that there are now 8 individuals running for a singular city council seat in District 2 should clearly speak volumes to Omaha Metro that the City of North Omaha does not see the situation as it has been portrayed, nor does it want to continue the same vein that it has gone in over the last 50 years. For five decades North Omaha has been in a time out. Legislative billing, city ordinances, lack of funding, historical written, oral, and pictorial evidence quantifies the intentional neglect, deprivation, and exclusion of North Omaha and the citizens of district 2. Five decades with TIF funding being awarded to our city, grants, bonds and now with the onset of a Worldwide Pandemic the Cares Act, yet North Omaha still does not seem to be significant enough to draw the full attention of Omaha Metro. It was the grace of God and the direct consorted efforts of the grassroots organizations, individuals, non- profits, and churches in North Omaha that has kept North Omaha alive not only in this pandemic, but for the last 50 yrs. To the astonishment of Omaha Metro, we have not been utterly broken from this tangled, abusive relationship we have been cast in with our sister city. There have been no major improvements to its infrastructure (e.g., buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. However, viewed as hovel it still stands. Full of vibrant, beautiful, intellectual, artistic, athletic, loving, inventive, industrious, progressive, entrepreneurial, compassionate people. A complete opposite of the polarized image of thugs, gangbanging, multiple babies having, by multiple baby’s daddy’s, government recipient, miscreants you see in our local media sources. However, change no matter how hard, no matter how long, no matter how wanted by some or rebuffed by others must come, for there is an Unapologetically yours. A little boy who is now a man, from NORTH OMAHA. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 17 appointed time and season for everything under the sun thus saith The Lord and regardless of your belief, disbelief, faith, or lack thereof winter, spring, summer, and fall are all the undisputable evidence Gods word is true. The season of change must come, and that season is NOW! We are not asking for change, change is coming. The lack of TRUE diversity and inclusion in this city is now crippling this city. The inclusion of North Omaha and its culture, talent and people are now evident in the C suites and the rumbling of chamber conversations. The lack of inclusion, promotion and retention of Black people is now standing out like a sore thumb. If this evidence did not exist, we would not be fighting again in legislation for the reinstitution of Affirmative Action. I applaud those who seek to change this narrative and do better, however our sister city Omaha Metro need to do better. The blatantly evident gentrification and removal of the people, history, and culture in North Omaha must cease. The shifting of poverty must cease. The overwhelmingly lopsided incarceration of men, women and children in this district must cease. The trauma that breaks the family structure and creates a self-destructive behavior must cease. The idea it is okay to overfund the Humane society, while willfully underfunding a HUMAN society must cease. District 2 regardless of who does not want to believe it is the Blueprint.
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g ce F R D P w a @ g Applications! ce, APPLY TODAY 2021 PAY SCALE • Entry Level Salary FFICERS $58,718 • Lateral Transfer* Up to $68,370 • Sr. Police Officer* $83,699 *Depending on Qualifications RANSFERS D TO APPLY PAID LEAVE • 2-5 Weeks of Vacation Per Year • 10 Paid Holidays per Year • 1 Casual Day Per Year • 12 Days of Sick Leave per Year Police Department ww.wdm.iowa.gov act Lieutenant Dan Jansen 515-222-3343 @wdm.iowa.gov
NO By Terence Haynes NO MORE clinch fist in protest Cause of lynched kids and no rest For the weary Mothers and Fathers. Fathers angry clinching their fist While Mothers clinching their chest Cause they’re heartbeat is beating erratically under their breast That they breast fed they baby with that they laying to rest.
more NO MORE crying out loud, for crying out loud, we’re crying out loud, that we dying out loud NO MORE nationally televised lynching’s where we crying out loud for our mothers who died from a broken heart because their child was lynched while crying out loud. NO MORE stating I can’t breathe, screaming I can’t breathe, whispering I can’t breathe, dying because I can’t breathe. With your knee on my neck. You traded your foot on my neck for your knee on my neck. Just like Colin traded the anthem for a knee but you told him get up. Cause it was disrespect NO MORE you killing us, NO MORE they killing, NO MORE us killing us, just NO MORE killing us. ~T.Haynes 2021 The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 21
Iowa African American Hall of Fame by Gary Lawson Within the purview of the Division of Student Affairs at Iowa State University exists the Iowa African American Hall of Fame (IAAHF). The IAAHF proclaims its purpose as recognizing the ‘outstanding achievement’ of African Americans who have demonstrated an improved quality of life for ‘all Iowans’. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 23
The IAAHF has existed for more than a quarter-century with the responsibility for embracing, honoring, magnifying, and fostering accomplishments by African Americans and thereby striving to provide examples of achievement for the generations of African Americans that follow. The aim being to honor those having distinguished reputations in business, education, government, and other sectors of public and private service. Among those thus far inducted into the IAAHF is George Washington Carver, who was an agricultural scientist and inventor that graduated and worked at Iowa State University. Recent contact with Iowa State University informs us that inductions into the IAAHF have been postponed until setbacks, owing to the current pandemic, are under control. Until then, it is advised that you think of an African American, who has made ‘exemplary contributions’ to the quality of life for all Iowans and be ready to nominate her or him for induction into the IAAHF. For more information on the IAAHF you may use the following link https://iaahf.studentaffairs.iastate.edu/ If you encounter difficulty accessing the site, contact the office of Kenyatta Shamburger, Assistant Dean & Director, Multicultural Student Affairs, Iowa State University, at 515294-6338. Happy African American History Month!
Alzheimer’s Association Honors Local Staff Member Who is Making a Difference in the Fight to End Alzheimer’s Sherita Jenkins is the Manager of Community Volunteers for the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter, and she is dedicated to the fight to end Alzheimer’s after losing her mom Bettye Jones to Alzheimer’s in 2017. Unfortunately, African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as older white Americans, and Sherita says her story is similar to many in the Black community who are affected by this disease. There is evidence that missed diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and other dementias are more common among older African Americans than among older whites, and this was the case for Sherita’s mom as well. Sherita said she noticed something was wrong with her mom starting in 2006, but she and her family didn’t know it could be Alzheimer’s. “In the African American community, it is common to care for family members instead of going to the doctor or be in denial or not even know about Alzheimer’s, including the warning signs. Instead, we would hear words like “senile” to describe the behavior,” says Sherita. “Looking back after working for the Association I realized my mom had all the warning signs.” Since her mom lived in Georgia, Sherita only got to see her once or twice a year, so she didn’t know how bad things were getting. When she would visit, she started noticing her mom was hoarding, spending money erratically and losing weight, but it wasn’t until 2016 when her mom came to visit her for Mother’s Day that she really knew something was wrong. Her mom was acting withdrawn and wasn’t herself at all. Sherita tried making doctor appointments, but her mom would get angry and say she didn’t know about the appointments even though Sherita had told her about them. Then, her mom started falling a lot. Sherita got her mom a walker because it was the most help she would accept, but she ended up falling badly and breaking her hip. After surgery to fix her hip and throughout rehab, her mom started getting worse. A month or so after surgery, Sherita’s mom was diagnosed with dementia. Though she did start walking again, her dementia had progressed so much that she didn’t remember anything. Unfortunately, there is evidence that missed diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and other dementias are more common among older African Americans than among older whites. Since African Americans may be more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, they are usually in need of more medical care. Early detection and diagnosis can allow for earlier use of available treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain independence longer. “After my mom’s diagnosis in 2016, the doctor didn’t give any resources, help or information about the disease.
It would have been great to know about the Alzheimer’s Association, their Helpline and to have support,” says Sherita. “When I got the opportunity to work for the Association, I knew I wanted to make an impact on the African American community and help them learn about the disease and warning signs.” gO Sherita lost her mom to Alzheimer’s in 2017, and looking back she thinks her mom had been living with the disease for almost 10 years. Now, Sherita works for the Alzheimer’s Association working directly with volunteers and helping to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s in her community. Last year, she started a Walk to End Alzheimer’s team in honor of her mom called Team Bettye Boo’s, and she raised almost $1,000. To learn more about the effect of Alzheimer’s and dementia on the Black community, visit alz.org or call the free, 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. You can also learn about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia by visiting alz. org/10signs. dIGITAL aDVERTISE WITH DISCOVER REAL POSSIBILITIES IN IOWA AARP is in Iowa creating real, meaningful change. We're proud to help all our communities become the best they can be. Like providing family caregivers with tips to take care of loved ones, helping to make our communities more livable and hosting fun, informative events all across the state. If you don't think Real Possibilities when you think AARP, then you don't know “aarp". Get to know us at aarp.org/ia. ---/aarpiowa -@aarpiowa The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 27 Real Possibilities is a trademark of AARP.
Women In NAACP (WIN) 2020 Accomplishments and Invitation to Join The Women In NAACP (WIN) had a very fulfilling and productive year, serving as an advocacy vehicle for social economic, political education, health, and welfare issues affecting women, girls, and advocate for the positive development of children. The COVID-19 Pandemic during the beginning of 2020 and its unprecedented and unpredictable health challenges for individuals and organizations, resulted in changes in how the WIN Committee proceeded with bringing members together as well as accomplishing WIN goals while complying with national and health safety precautions. The first and remaining meetings of 2020 were held virtually. WIN initiatives primarily focused on economic development and community engagement targeting Foster Care Awareness and Black families were either delivered virtually or in an environment following CDC procedures to ensure the safety and health of all concerned. As we reflect on the past year, there are many WIN accomplishments to celebrate, in spite of obstacles presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Throughout the community, Women in NAACP advocated the power of the vote collaborating with Des Moines Branch Political Action Committee and community partners, Urban Dreams and Creative Visions. Partnering with the League of Women Voters and their Voter Mobile GOTV and 2020 census campaign along with the Black Women’s Vote Rally, many first time voters were registered. A virtual community conversation engaging foster parents, children and family practitioners, educators, and community members, in a discussion emphasizing the critical need for more Black families for children who need temporary placement. Much of what was learned will be a part of the content of the guide being compiled as a resource for foster care families and advocates for foster care children. Four Oaks Family Connection Outreach staff have been valuable as a resource and assisting with coordinating family participation. During November, National Adoption Awareness Month, a Bundle Up Our Children Campaign was initiated, collecting winter wear (mittens, hats, gloves, scarves) for children in foster care. WIN members and community volunteers assisted with the collection, Nov. 16-Nov 28. Community Businesses and organizations volunteered as collection sites, ( Zumi, Children and Families of Iowa, Plymouth Church, Corinthian Baptist Church, Mickle Center, Oakridge Neighborhood, Temple B’Nai Jeshrun, and Willkie House) WIN members and volunteers assisted with the collection of the items and Four Oaks Family Connection Outreach assisted with distribution. There were 556 items collected. December was the kickoff month for spotlighting local African American owned businesses, specifically women owned businesses, at each monthly WIN meeting. Chellie’s Sugar Shack owner, Rachelle Long, was the December spotlight. The January 2021 business spotlight featured Tami Harris Brantley and her business, Tiger Martin Collection DM. Women In NAACP joined Iowa Citizens Action Network and several other organizations which included National Association of Social Workers-Iowa Chapter, Interfaith Alliance, LULAC, Iowa State Education Association, and Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in sponsoring a webinar to hear what Iowa
Advantages of Buying versus Renting FINANCIAL FACTORS Build Equity – For most mortgages, monthly payments include both principal and interest, with principal representing your actual ownership of the home. Over time, the principal portion of each monthly payment increases, helping homeowners build equity faster. Owners can also build equity by making smart improvements, especially if the cost of the project boosts your home’s resale value by more than what you invest in the improvement. Tax Benefits – If you itemize your federal income tax return, you can deduct property taxes and any mortgage interest paid during the tax year. You may also be able to take advantage of other local, state or federal incentives, such as home improvements that qualify for an energy tax credit. Potential Rental Income – At some point, you may decide to convert your home into an investment property by leasing out some or all of your space. (For example, keep your first home for rental income when you decide to move to larger quarters.) Just be sure to investigate local rental property laws first. Dawn Campbell is licensed with Platinum Realty 6150 Village View Drive, Ste. 103 West Des Moines, IA 50266. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Licensed real estate agent in the state of Iowa. Capmbel l You r DM I Realto r P O BO X 2643 D se Moinse , AI 61305 Penoh : “I’ m you r ARB® waDn 515-084- 8350 Dawn@DMIeralrot.co m www.dmieralrot.co m ” Deciding to buy a home is a highly personal choice that involves weighing numerous financial factors and individual preferences. While renting may be easier on your budget and provide more flexibility to relocate for new work opportunities, there are a number of strong reasons to purchase a home, including: SUBJECTIVE CONSIDERATIONS Creative Freedom – Your home is your space, and you can do whatever you want with it, just be mindful of zoning violations. Paint the walls, add a deck, create a workshop for your favorite hobbies, etc. When you own a home, you’re only limited by your imagination. Privacy – In contrast to sharing space with roommates or other family members, owning a home provides a private “sanctuary.” Even if you’ve been renting your own apartment space, you may be craving a retreat from noisy (or nosey) neighbors. Sense of Belonging – Buying a home involves a larger, longer-term commitment (than renting) that often extends beyond a house into a community, opening the door to participation in local events, meeting and supporting neighbors, and building deeper friendships. The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR® Agent Council (REBAC), a subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORS® ) designation is awarded by the Real Estate Buyer’s (NAR). To learn more about REBAC and access various homebuyer resources, please visit REBAC.net. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 29
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Greater Des Moines’ vibrancy is founded, in part, on the breadth and depth of its arts and cultural experiences. More than 70 nonprofit organizations provide access to world-class theatres, galleries, performance spaces, dance troupes, choral ensembles, orchestras and more. These organizations are essential to the region’s quality of life and to the economy, driving more than $185 million in annual economic impact. Bravo Greater Des Moines was formed in 2004 ensure arts and culture remain at the core of the community’s growth. We leverage community resources to maximize the impact of arts, culture and heritage to advance regional priorities. Funded almost entirely through hotel and motel taxes generously contributed by 17 local government partners, Bravo makes direct investments to cultural organizations and programs that make Greater Des Moines an exceptional place to live, work, play and visit. We also lead efforts to advance cultural priorities beyond grantmaking and play a critical role in elevating and enriching a vibrant region. This mission is even more critical today, as the cultural sector reels from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the pandemic hit the U.S., almost no sector has been hit harder than the leisure and hospitality industry, which includes arts and cultural venues and experiences. Sector employment rates dropped more than 50% in the first three months of the pandemic and have yet to substantially recover. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 31 Arts organizations across the country report more than $14 billion in economic losses and organizations in Iowa have faced a financial impact of nearly $40 million. When leaders of cultural nonprofits were asked how severe they thought the financial impact would be on their organizations, 57% responded extremely severe, and 8% were not confident their organization would survive. As our community imagines a better future, arts and culture must take center stage. Bravo is asking everyone to embrace “Let’s Hear it for the Arts” as a rallying cry to ensure the arts are at the heart of reconnecting, reemerging and recovering. Investing in arts and culture is directly tied to advancing every regional priority, from economic development to civic dialogue to education to equity. Arts and culture are essential, vibrant contributors powering growth, progress and change. Supporting the sector is everyone’s responsibility. Every February, Bravo Greater Des Moines gathers community leaders together to celebrate arts and culture at the Bravo Awards Gala. But 2021 isn’t shaping up to be a normal year. Like so many nonprofits, we were hit hard by COVID-19. The hotel and motel taxes that fund our organization were down 20% for FY20 and are budgeted to be down 50% for FY21. While the Bravo Awards Gala is most visible thing Bravo does, our most essential role is to provide funding and support for the cultural sector. To focus on that work, we made the difficult decision to not host a Gala in 2021. Despite not having an evening to celebrate the arts together, more than 60 corporate partners stepped up with generous contributions to support Bravo’s mission for 2021. These donations help offset our operational expenses and will also go directly toward grants to cultural organizations in our community. While no one knows what the future will hold, we are certain that arts, culture and heritage are more essential than ever as we each seek inspiration, hope and resilience. Bravo is grateful to the strong community of cultural leaders we support, and to the public and private investors who support our work. Let’s Hear it for the Arts!
Drake University Donors Support Affordable Access to John Dee Bright College John Dee Bright College at Drake University has announced that gifts and pledges to its student scholarship and access funds have exceeded $200,000 since the College’s launch in September 2020. Combined with state and federal grants and on-campus work-study opportunities, the outpouring of donor and alumni support will make it possible for low-income admitted students from Iowa to graduate from Bright College’s innovative two-year associate degree programs with little to no student tuition debt. One of those donors is Ernest Dippel, a 1955 graduate of what is now Drake’s College of Business and Public Administration who played football with Bright at Drake in the 1951–52 season, the year of the infamous Oklahoma A&M incident, when Bright withstood a savage raciallymotivated attack after a play. Bright continued to play that season with a broken jaw wired shut. Dippel reflected on Bright’s grit and resilience, two traits the new college will nurture in its students. “Being John’s teammate was a major honor and highlight of my life,” Dippel said. “Johnny Bright is a true legend, certainly as an athlete; but more than that, he became a giant as an educator all during an era when racism was rampant,” Dippel added. Vinaya Sharma, Chicago-based enterprise risk management consultant and a 1993 graduate of Drake’s College of Business and Public Administration spoke of the lasting “I am extremely grateful to our supporters,” said Craig N. Owens, professor of English and founding dean of Bright College. “Affordability and access are two key goals of Bright College,” Owens added. “Combined with the College’s promise to ‘do school differently’ and with Drake’s longstanding reputation for excellence, our donors’ generosity will prove truly life-changing to our students.” Named for college and professional football legend and beloved educator John Dee “Johnny” Bright, who graduated from Drake’s School of Education in 1952, the College is the first new college or school founded at Drake in over 60 years. Several donors have cited Bright’s example as a resilient and committed sportsman, on the one hand, and as a celebrated public school principal, on the other, as the inspiration for their giving. impact of Bright’s legacy decades after his 1952 graduation. “As someone affected by Johnny Bright’s story, I felt it appropriate to honor Bright and Drake with a donation,” Sharma remarked. “Bright’s impact at Drake as a student and alum was groundbreaking. His legacy as a champion will live on with the students in the College that bears his name.” Louis Carr, a 1978 graduate of Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, current president of media sales at Black Entertainment Television (BET) Networks, and a member of Drake’s Board of Trustees, attributes his own opportunity to study at Drake to Bright’s trailblazing. “Johnny Bright’s participation and success in sports paved the way for me to have an athletic scholarship at Drake,” Carr said, adding that “Bright’s legacy is something that I wanted to financially support as a signal of gratitude.” “These gifts go beyond helping with tuition,” Owens explained. “They’ll also fund an exciting summer orientation program, ensure attentive student support and tutoring, and defray some of the ordinary, day-to-day costs of simply attending college.”
Bright College offers two interdisciplinary, cohort-based associate degrees: One in Business, Organizational, and Professional Studies, and the other in the Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities. Both degrees are designed to allow graduates to enter into rewarding professional careers or to continue into bachelor degree programs at Drake and elsewhere—or both. Owens agrees, explaining that “Bright College is one more way Drake is reclaiming higher education’s role as an engine for social and financial mobility in our community.” The College offers a unique learning environment that combines access and affordability; innovative, high-impact learning opportunities; wrap-around student support; and a vibrant sense of community and belonging. Drake’s president, Marty Martin, includes Bright College among recent initiatives that build on Drake’s position as Des Moines’ hometown university. “We owe our supporters a debt of gratitude for enabling Drake University to live up to its inspiration of transforming lives and strengthening communities,” Martin said. “Along with the Boys and Girls Club, the Harkin Institute, and our partnerships to revitalize the Drake neighborhood, Bright College will continue our commitment to the educational, social, and financial well-being of those who live and work in central Iowa.” The College continues to welcome applications and referrals. More information about Bright College, its programs, and the application process is available at www. drake.edu/bright, by emailing bright.college@drake.edu, or by calling (515) 271-2107. Inspired by a great leader, Bright College is taking a new approach to education. Want to do school differently? So do we. Our two-year associate degrees are designed to accelerate your career. drake.edu/bright
For the love of the team South Carolina father scores one final win with life insurance COACH TERRANCE FORD was a Michael Jordan fan and a shoe fanatic. When heart failure claimed his life May 1, 2013, he had about 200 pairs. Terrance’s wife, Modern Woodmen member Angel Ford, Cheraw, South Carolina, lined the shoes up in her kitchen after his death. She invited the players Terrance had coached over the years to come pick out a pair. She wanted them to have a tangible reminder of the man they respected so much. More than 1,500 people attended Coach Ford’s funeral, which was held in the Cheraw High School gym. They had to set up monitors in the cafeteria to accommodate the overflow of people coming to pay their last respects. “That’s just the kind of man he was,” remembers Angel. “He was always right there to help people out, to give kids a boost or to get them on the right track.” Terrance Ford’s dad died of heart disease at age 26. Terrance was always paranoid about his own heart, so he kept in good shape and visited his doctor regularly. His death shocked his family and the community. Time out Once the initial shock of her husband’s death had passed, Angel’s new reality started to sink in. She was a 34-year-old cheerleading coach and attendance clerk whose husband had always taken care of things. She didn’t even know what bills had to be paid, much less how she was going to pay them. “I was so spoiled by my husband,” Angel says. “I knew he was making payments for things, but I honestly didn’t know what they were all for. I was like, ‘Oh my God. How am I going to take care of three kids by myself?’” Then a phone call from Modern Woodmen representative Jamont McRae changed everything. Jamont hadn’t heard about Terrance’s death. He was just calling to schedule an annual financial review with the family. Like everyone else, he was shocked when Angel told him the news. “I had helped Terrance put a plan together to protect his family just two years before that,” says Jamont. “Now it was time to help fulfill his desire … and the promises Modern Woodmen had made.” Angel knew Terrance had met with Jamont. She was pregnant with her youngest daughter at the time and wasn’t sure they should be taking on another payment.
Modern Woodmen representative Jamont McRae (pictured here) first met with Terrance Ford nearly two years to the day before his death. Terrance worked with Jamont to protect the entire family with life insurance. Once hesitant, now Angel leans on Jamont for financial guidance too. Questions? Contact your local Modern Woodmen of America representative: “To be honest, I didn’t know why we had to have life insurance and car insurance and this insurance and that insurance,” Angel remembers. “I’m so glad Terrance didn’t listen to me.” Time in If not for the generous support of her community and the protection her husband left in the form of life insurance, Angel’s not sure where her family would be right now. “Actually, I could tell you where we’d be, but I wouldn’t want to be there,” she says. “I’d be living with my parents. I’d be struggling and living paycheck to paycheck. Or I’d be on some kind of public assistance.” But she’s not. She doesn’t have to ask anyone for anything. “No, I’m not riding around in a Mercedes, but I’m comfortable and my kids are comfortable,” she says. Angel used a portion of the life insurance proceeds to pay off her house. She later added on to the house – something she and Terrance had been planning to do. She told Jamont to invest the rest of the money back with Modern Woodmen. She did the same thing with the life insurance Terrance had had through work. Angel also worked with Jamont to make sure she has enough life insurance coverage for herself and her children. “Not just enough to cover a funeral, because that’s never enough,” she says. “I want to have enough life insurance that if something happened to me, my kids wouldn’t have to struggle or worry about anything in life. “You never know what the future might bring,” she says. “Listen to your representative. Take advice you can trust and make good investments.” Rebounding Today, when you drive to Cheraw High, you could be travelling along Coach Ford Road. If you’re a Cheraw athlete who maintains a good grade-point average and stays out of trouble, you could earn the coveted Coach Terrance Ford Award. Or you could be one of many students to play in the annual Terrance Ford Basketball Tournament. “It’s a blessing to my kids … especially the youngest one,” says Angel. Unlike her older siblings, Heavenly and T.J., little Torrance Ford has no memory of the man everyone loved. She was only 7 months old when her daddy died, but these tributes will someday help her understand what Terrance meant to the community. And the life insurance, well, that’s a reminder of the love Terrance had for his family. He made sure his favorite team could make a comeback … even after his game had ended. P 8953-52-C Kelly C. King, FIC Suite 305 4150 Westown Parkway Des Moines, IA 50266 B 515-238-3208 kelly.c.king@mwarep.org Registered representative. Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America. Member: FINRA, SIPC. Founded in 1883 as a fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen of America offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 35
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WI TH A THANK YOU FROM: From the members of Women In NAACP (WIN) and the Des Moines Branch NAACP, We would like to thank you for supporting the Bundle Up Our Children Campaign. There were over 550 items collected to keep our children in the foster care system warm, and a generous donation to purchase additional scarves, hats, gloves, and mittens. A special heartfelt thank you to the volunteers and the partnering organizations: • Children & Families of Iowa $CFI) • Corinthian Baptist Church • Mickle Center • Oakridge Main office • Plymouth Church • Temple B’nai Jeshrun • Willkie House Inc, • Zumi May every day of the New Year (2021) be filled with Love, Peace, and Joy!
DO YOU NEED AN ENT? By: Matthew Brown, MD, FACS | Broadlawns ENT Section Chief Does your nose seem to never stop running? Is your television becoming harder to hear? Are you experiencing pain or discomfort when you speak? These ear, nose and throat (ENT) symptoms may commonly accompany a cold or flu in the winter months. However, if these symptoms persist, get worse, or start to affect your quality of life, you should see an ENT specialist to get to the root of your issue. Nose and Sinus If you are constantly sniffling, sneezing and coughing without knowing why, you may have allergies. More than half of all Americans test positive for at least one allergen, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Allergies are common and easily controlled with an accurate diagnosis. The first step to diagnosis involves visiting a specialist for an exam to determine if your symptoms are caused by an allergy and, if so, to determine what triggers the allergy. From there, an appropriate treatment or clinical intervention will be recommended so you can avoid the allergic trigger which will help to eliminate or minimize symptoms. Treatments for allergies can include: controlling symptoms through over the counter medications or prescriptions, simply avoiding allergens, or immunotherapy to reintroduce your immunological tolerance (the antibodies launched by your immune system which cause a reaction) to a particular allergen. Ear When people think of hearing loss, they often believe it only affects seniors. But did you know that approximately 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 suffer from some form of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss? This can occur if you are exposed to a very high level of sound, such an explosion, or can occur over time if you are frequently exposed to loud music, power tools, or even car horns. Other risk factors that impact hearing loss include: sleep apnea, diabetes, tobacco products, use of ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and popping your ears. If you notice that your hearing isn’t quite what it used to be, don’t delay in getting it tested to determine the cause of the issue. Your hearing loss could be being impacted by something as small as ear wax build-up or an ear infection. If it is determined that hearing loss has occurred, this can be treated for the long-term through the prescription of hearing aids and steps can be taken to prevent future loss. Throat Voice problems usually include pain or discomfort when you speak or difficulty controlling the pitch, loudness, or quality of your voice. Anyone can develop a voice problem, but your risk is greatest if you are constantly putting a high demand on your vocal cords. Generally a voice problem is diagnosed through medical history and a physical exam. For many voice problems, resting your vocal cords is all that is needed. However, if you are finding that these common symptoms are persistent, it may be a sign of something more serious such as throat cancer. Throat cancer is a general term that applies to cancer that develops in the throat (pharyngeal cancer) or in the voice box (laryngeal cancer). More than 30,000 people in the US were diagnosed with throat cancer in 2018. Risk factors include: tobacco products, alcohol consumption, the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While experts are seeing a decline in throat cancer related to tobacco use, they are seeing a dramatic increase in throat cancers associated with HPV. If you are experiencing any issues with your ears, nose or throat, the experts at the Broadlawns ENT Clinic are here to help. From newborns to 100 year olds, our team is fully equipped to provide treatment and improve your quality of life. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 37
Located on the Broadlawns Main Campus, the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Appointments may be scheduled by calling (515) -282-7750. All forms of insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, are accepted. Dr. Matthew Brown is American Board of Otolaryngology certified and specializes in medical and surgical treatment of ear, nose and throat disorders. He provides care in all areas of general otolaryngology which includes pediatric, sinus, allergy, head and neck surgery and advanced training in allergic ear, nose and throat disorders. Dr. Brown closed his private practice; Iowa Head & Neck, PC, at the end of 2020, and he, William Fanter, PA-C, Aaron Hahn, AuD and Courtney Thayer, AuD have all joined the medical staff at Broadlawns Medical Center.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 39
A National Historic Landmark by Celeste and Gary Lawson
This article on military history is presented in honor of African American History Month (February) and Women’s History Month (March). The purpose is to educate Iowans and others on the vast national historic value of the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center. The Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School was a military base and training facility located in Des Moines and was established in 1901. The base is noteworthy as the location where African Americans were trained to be United States Army officers during World War l. Additionally, it is also where women first began training for service during World War ll, in 1942, as part of the Women’s Army Corps. A portion of the military base was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1974. The Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center is located on this historic site. Matthew Harvey serves as the President of the Board for the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center. He is honored and humbled to serve with an extraordinary group of volunteers that have kept the museum operating in the face of many challenges. Matthew served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, and at one time was assigned to a Fort Des Moines unit. He also completed a combat tour in Afghanistan that lasted over a year. During that tour, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. He is committed to sharing the history of Fort Des Moines and what we all can learn from those who have served at this National Historic in the middle of the country where nothing was really going on. They ended up picking Fort Des Moines because it was far enough from Washington that people wouldn’t really know what was going on. Then some say that there was also concern about having the Black officers’ training close to the Capitol. Part 1: African American Men Making History by Gary Lawson Gary: What is the history behind the first Provisional Army Officer Training School that was provided to African American males? Matthew: Well...what happened... in response to the first...well...at the time...it was the great war...World War I as we know it now...and there was just a need for personnel. It became apparent that there was a great need for personnel. There had never been a question about African Americans participating in the military, but there had always been a question about African Americans participating as leaders... or officers...in the United States Army. It was decided, during World War l, that there would be a segregated division...a couple of them, actually...that would have Black officers as leaders. Well, to do that...there were not very many Black officers in the Army...so they decided to run the very first Officer Training Camp. When they decided to do it...the decision was made to do it at the Fort Des Moines. Other places that were under consideration had included Howard University and other historically Black locations on the East Coast, but it was decided that it would be So, Fort Des Moines was picked as the location for the first Black Officers’ Training School. They trained officers primarily for the infantry, but at the same time they also trained Medical Corps officers and Dental Corps officers to function in those segregated divisions to treat the soldiers. Gary: In what ways do you believe that history is relevant during 2021 and beyond? Matthew: What happened in 1917 is that African American men answered the call to serve the United States of America...their country...inspired by what was going on socially, which included segregation and Jim Crow. These kinds of things were going on, so these men came to Fort Des Moines...and many served overseas and came back to face the same social situation that had existed before they had left. Yet...before, during and after...they were always committed to a higher ideal based on service to their country, service to their community and service with each other in a way that is instructive for us today...being that anyone who is a part of any group within the United States can draw from the lessons of those who faced challenges...yet they made the commitment to serve their country and the larger community. Then after they served...they went back to their local communities and took that same attitude of service back into their local communities. An example would be Charles The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 41
Hamilton Houston, who as a lawyer, after serving in the army during World War I, had a wonderful career as a lawyer championing civil rights. Many thought that he would have been the first African American to have served on the United States Supreme Court... unfortunately, he died suddenly, but his protégé, and the person that he mentored, Thurgood Marshall, went on to serve as the first African American Supreme Court Justice. There were a lot of African American men who...after their experience in the military...went on to contribute significant service to their country and community. There were people who may not have been nationally recognized, but in their local community they were extremely significant and also helped raise the next generation to go on and do great things. Many of those people can point back to the experiences of their father at the Fort Des Moines. Gary: How is this history made available to Iowans and others? It is also relevant, that in a state that is...and always has been... predominately white...this is where the first Black officers were trained. They were accepted by the community. When Fort Des Moines opened during 1903, the first significant Calvary unit to show up was the African American 25th Infantry...referred to then as the Colored Troops. From the very beginning there has been a rich history of African American soldiers serving at Fort Des Moines, which continued in 1917 when the Fort Des Moines was selected to be the first training site for Black officers. So, local history is important. We can draw on the fact that in 2021, over 100 years ago, there was a facility for the aforementioned things to happen in a way where everyone benefited. That is a wonderful lesson for us to learn... whereby people have served Matthew: Currently, the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center is the place where we work to preserve, protect and promote this rich history in Des Moines, Iowa. We have more than a 10,000 square foot museum on a fiveacre piece of property where we house a collection and interpret the history of what occurred at Fort Des Moines. There is also a chapel on the same museum ground. We have a physical location that we encourage people to visit. However... currently during this pandemic we aren’t open to the public because of the concern about not just the safety of the public, but also the safety of the many dedicated volunteers who work with the museum, because we are an allvolunteer organization. their country...even in the face of discrimination and segregation... and we are all better off for it. We have made great strides because before where there were no officers or leaders in the army...after the first class graduated from Fort Des Moines...there were many African American leaders in the army. So currently...people can make an appointment and we will work to accommodate them in making plans to visit the museum. We are looking forward to reopening the museum after the pandemic is over. We also are developing an online presence for the museum. Soon, we hope to start putting many of the museum exhibits online thereby creating a way for people to interact with the museum virtually. Also, having pieces of the museum’s collection photographed and made available online. We actually just received several of our first lesson plans developed for teachers...and we are going to place them online. Right now...the history is being made available through the physical museum, but very soon we are going to have a robust online presence so that people across the state...and across the country... will be able to experience and learn about the history at Fort Des Moines. Part 2: Women Making History by Celeste Lawson Celeste: Why was the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps established, and why was it changed to the Women’s Army Corps? Matthew: The Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps was established to support the war effort during World War ll. What was going on was that the effort was so big...there was a realization that more men were needed in the theatre (area in which the war was taking place) to do combat jobs and support combat missions. So...at that time...the idea was to raise and train a group of women who could serve in the army in certain jobs that were currently being done by men...freeing those
men to move forward to the front lines of the war effort. So...the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps was created in 1942 and was an auxiliary unit because it was an addition to the normal army. About a year later...it was elevated to a full active status and became the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). The Women’s Army Corps... during 1978...was integrated into the regular army...and within specialty-specific branches that had previously existed for men only. Prior to this...the only capacity that women ever served in the army was as nurses, but after the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women’s Army Corps were established...women started serving in many more positions and functions within the United States Army. Celeste: What role do women presently play in military service? Matthew: So...during 1942 there were only certain roles that women played...that were considered as being very traditional. Often times you will see old films from World War ll where only women were operating telephone switchboards. One of the significant individuals... Charity Adams (aka Charity Adams Earley)...graduated from Fort Des Moines and lead the all-African American 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. There were select jobs in which women served. Since 1942...more and more opportunities were opened up to women in terms of how they could serve in the military, which for many years were all in non-combat roles. Recently, (as an example) things have changed to the point that women have the ability to serve in any branch of the United States Army without restriction because of their gender. They just have to qualify to serve in the Infantry or Special Forces. They now can serve in all branches of military service. So...women play a significant and pivotal role in today’s military service. We focus on the United States Army, but similar strides have also been made in both the United States Navy and Air Force...you have women who are Air Force combat pilots now...Navy combat pilots... so we have all made great strides in recognizing that woman can serve in any role within the United States military. That is significant because when you consider that every position in the military is now available to women...and the fact that women can even serve in the military...it all first started at Fort Des Moines. The army led with the establishment of a women’s auxiliary...so all women who served in the military...in many ways...their history can be tied back to Fort Des Moines. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 43
Similarly so...the African American Officers’ Training School was at the Fort Des Monies during 1917... was the first training of African American officers for any of the military services. So...all African American officers... their history or their lineage...reaches back to Fort Des Moines. Celeste: Likewise, how may Iowans and others access this history? Matthew: We very much want to significantly increase the number of Iowans who are accessing this history. We aspire to make sure that there is no Iowa high school graduate who...when they are studying about World War l and World War ll in history...knows that significant things happened at Fort Des Moines...here in the center of Iowa...to support the war effort during World War l by the training of the Black (male) officers... and during World War ll by the training of women. We want to increase that access. Like I said before, right now we have tour groups...school groups that visit the museum...and we want to do more of that in the future...we have community groups that have toured the museum, and we want to do more of that...and of course we want to create that virtual presence so that anybody...not just in Iowa...but anybody in the country can learn about the significance of both the ethnic and gender diversity and inclusion activity that occurred at Fort Des Moines. Closing: Gary: Would you like to make a closing statement that you feel is relevant to the preceding questions? Matthew: The history of Fort Des Moines is important and interwoven into our country’s history because when you are talking about the integration of the military...that started because of what happened here at the Fort Des Moines...when you talk about allowing women to serve in the military... that started here at the Fort Des Moines...those are important things and significant issues for our country...that all started here at the Fort Des Moines. I think that we cannot only learn from that, but we can also be proud of that..for those of us who are Iowans...that these historical things happened here...and we should work to educate people about it and celebrate that history more because it made our country better. The sacrifice and service of those who were trained and/or stationed at the Fort Des Moines have permeated our country’s history... and in many ways outside of it...way beyond the wars...to include what they did in their everyday lives. We should celebrate that and honor them.
Interview with Ms. Courageous Fire By Dwana Bradley
I had the privilege of having a conversation with my dear sister Ms. Courageous Fire. What you are about to read is something we as women, but especially Black women don’t talk about…. domestic violence. In this interview you will hear Courageous story and why Black women don’t tell or talk about their abuse, and how you can get help if you read something that you have been through. I hope whoever reads this article knows it’s challenging to say what you’re going through, but there are people like Courageous who makes it clear she isn’t a crisis advocate. She refers women who are still in an abusive relationship to Amani Community Services. Courageous helps women understand what lesser=known forms look like so those she helps can self-identify and then she guides them to appropriate resources. When Courageous programming kicks in for the victim is when she has turned survivor, and she teaches her how to avoid future predatory relationships through Empowerment through the Arts. Courageous Story My life in 2012-2013 started gravitating me toward being drawn to the needs of women. I began to zone in and notice when women were hurting. They were hurting and couldn’t express it and they didn’t recognize their own greatness. This is where I began to seek out meaningful interactions with women. I remember working in corporate America and a lady asked me, “How is it your able to have these conversations all the time?” This lady noticed I would see people in the cafeteria, the breakroom, or the bathroom. This is because I would look for opportunities and I didn’t let them pass me by. This is my story. I got married to my abuser in 2004 and it’s the typical fairy tale story. I was married to this great guy. We hit it off and I was intellectually and spiritually stimulated by him. We sang together for our wedding, it was lovely. He had children from a previous marriage, and they seemed to adore him, so I believed he was a great father and man of God. We connected in every way and talked for hours. I thought this was fantastic. Looking back, I realized all of this was grooming because none of it was genuine. There were people who thought I should have seen the signs. I watched a documentary titled #whyIstayed and I listened to these women who talked about the things they saw, and it didn’t match the person they knew. For myself, I kept looking for the husband I knew thinking he would reemerge, but that person never existed. In a marriage or partnership your job is to trust the person because that’s what makes relationships work and when you trust you are communicating to your partner; I am supposed believe the best in you. After thirteen years of marriage, I became aware of religious abuse which means the person takes the scripture and twist it around their own agenda. I found myself questioning if I was pleasing God because I was made to feel like I wasn’t. I began to examine my own Christianity. I experienced financial abuse. My husband could work, but he chose not to work a 9-5. He wanted us to be in a certain place financially and I committed to the union for us not to fail so the finances became a way for me to not leave. I was doing the work and I was committed to us surviving. I was going to stay until we got on track, but we never were going to make that happen because he never intended to. That’s what financial abuse looks like. I’m an intelligent woman, but I would feel stupid whenever I was talking with my husband and that was intentional. That’s one of the ways emotional abuse shows up; the abuser consistently puts you down and elevates himself. I also found myself experiencing sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can happen in marriage. There are times a woman can be asked to do things her mate knows makes her uncomfortable in the bedroom and feel obligated to do so or will punish her is she does not comply. My actual escape took place like this: I had done my safety planning but was not comfortable with doing a restraining order. I prayed to the Lord to allow me to become comfortable enough to file it if it was indeed a good idea, or for God to move on the abuser to just get up and leave on his own. He got up two or three weeks later and said, “I feel like I should remove myself.” He had gotten a bus ticket to leave and my daughters and I took him to the bus station on New Year’s Eve. Once he left, I began to see all the signs and realized there were people who came alongside me to make me aware of those signs. They never made me feel bad for not leaving but looking back I realized they were saying things to me to help me come to my own revelation.
The statistics say that 40% of Black women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime and 58% of Black women will experience Psychological abuse, this whole thing of Black women and these types of things not happening to us, or we don’t play that is a misnomer because so often, many don’t know what they are in the middle of, many don’t know what it looks like, and I want them to be aware. Courageous Fire LLC was founded in June of 2019. I was still working for a non-profit and was unable to do much, but I did an enormous amount of research and while researching, I found all this information not just about women, but Black women and this is the number one health issue for us. That was staggering for me to learn. It’s not diabetes or heart disease for us, it’s abuse. Here are three reasons why this is happening so much for Black women. 1. The strong Black woman stereotype. There is no reason for me to talk about a struggle or a challenge or a problem because I’m strong and I can handle it. The flip side of that is we are viewed that way also, it’s not just the self-perception we aren’t viewed as victims so if a black woman says this is what happened to me, immediately or if she tries to resist, we become the violent aggressor. I read Marissa Alexanders story and it infuriated me. She had been abused physically by her partner for years the man was in the process of trying to be abusive in that very moment. She purposefully fired a warning shot next to him at the wall to make him back away from her. She received a sentence of twenty years in prison for a warning shot. When we talk about Lorena Bobbitt, we all thought back in the day that case was funny. She mutilated a man and what happened? Nothing because she is a real victim, and a black woman is angry, aggressive, and upset. I looked in the comments in one of Marissa Alexanders TEDx videos there was comment after comment stating, “yeah, they both were aggressive,” “she is leaving out parts of the story those are the parts that got her convicted,” “let’s just say what it really is, she is just violent.” That’s the number one reason we don’t say anything. 2. We are afraid of backlash from 911. Jacob Blake, it happened just last year from all and everything I read about that story it was a domestic violence situation and she did call the police, but she was not looking for them to shoot him seven times. She simply wanted to be safe; wasn’t trying to give him a death sentence. People act as though it’s ok to overlook the fact that at one point you were in a relationship with this person at some point you loved them, and you thought they loved you. This was my struggle with the whole no contact order because no one could give me a clear answer on whether or not at that time was going to have some sort of record that people would see and even though he tortured our entire family for thirteen years I still didn’t want him to struggle as a black man with trying to get himself together if he was ever going to do it. Having a restraining order strapped to his back, I didn’t want that to happen. More than once I’ve had people over the course of my adult life talk to me all of them black women about different types of domestic violence and I will never forget one of my dearest friends telling me how she and her husband spent the night in jail when she was pregnant. If he beats on me and I try to defend myself and I wear nails he’s probably going to get scratched so now I can’t defend myself or my unborn child. I’m supposed to get The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 47
beat on. Because he and she had marks they both went to jail. We are afraid of the backlash from 911. 3. This last one breaks my heart the most because it comes from us. We’re afraid of how we will be treated by our own community. Look at the backlash that the victims and their parents, of R Kelly received. Many accused them of trying to keep a black man down, people always want to report the black man. The black man this, black man that, but if the black man committed a crime against a Black woman how come she can’t say anything? Why can’t she say something? We know one or both things are going to happen. We will be looked at as a traitor of our community for airing our dirty laundry in public and making a black man look bad or our community look bad. Families are going to distance themselves from us and make the comment, “you know that was a family matter, you didn’t have to involve everyone like that you didn’t have to put him out there like that.” Where can I go if I’m at church and I’m a victim of domestic violence. Can I talk to my Pastor or is he going to tell me God hates divorce and stay married? In the same documentary #WhyIstayed one of the women said something that blew my mind. “I stayed because my Pastor said God hates divorce it never occurred to me that God hates abuse too. I was messed up by that statement because the very book that truly helped me walk out of my relationship this was shown to me by my twelve-year-old daughter at the time. We were in a bookstore and my husband at the time wanted to look religious and spiritual. We were making a purchase for a family member. My daughter kept spinning around this turnstile and she kept trying to take this book out. Every time I looked at her, she acted as if she wasn’t trying to take the book out the book was titled Domestic Violence: A Sexual Assault on the Women’s Worth and it was written by a Christian woman she had scripture after scripture that talked about why God hates violence and why God hates when a man takes his
leadership and uses it to harm his wife, his family, why God hates that. There were scriptures and along those scriptures she gave definitions and check boxes for if he is doing this it is a part of this and I kept looking at all the check boxes I had experienced, that my kids had experienced but if it had not been for this book by the Christian woman talking about why God hates abuse and not divorce it would have been longer for me. I needed permission that God wouldn’t be angry with me for keeping myself safe. The work done by Courageous Fire LLC is powerful and will make an impact on our community. In the March edition of the Urban Experience Magazine, we will discuss more of the work Courageous Fire LLC does and what stories you will see in the future. “If you have read anything in this article that makes you believe you may be a victim of domestic violence (DV), click here: CFire Get Help” If you need to talk to someone and you believe you are experiencing abuse in your relationship here are some places you can reach out to: Courageous Fire’s Get Help page https:// cfire2019.wixsite.com/move/gethelp Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 Amani Community Services. They now have a Des Moines advocate! You can email her at jemella@ amani-cs.org To support the work of Courageous Fire LLC: Cash App - $courageousfirellc Pay Pal – https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ akhcourageiousfire?locale.x=US
PRESS RELEASES For Immediate Release: February, 16, 2021 For more information contact: Rhonda Harris: Publicity Chairman Rhonda.harris56@yahoo.com (816) 352-4615 Jacquie Easley McGhee: Publicity Co-Chairman jacquieeasley@aol.com Kelly Loeb: Publicity Co-Chairman kglaka@gmail.com Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Mid-Western Region, To Hold Virtual Conference through Host City Des Moines, Iowa Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, one of the nation’s oldest African American Greek Letter organizations, and the sorority of Vice President Kamala Harris, will host its 91st Mid-Western Regional Conference virtually on March 19-21, 2021. Over 1.000 diverse college-age and professional women from the States of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, and Iowa will arrive virtually on the North Bound Express and will be welcomed by the host chapters of Cluster C which includes Graduate Chapters, Alpha Iota Omega, Topeka, Ks.; Beta Kappa Omega, Wichita, Ks.; Iota Zeta Omega, Des Moines, Iowa; Mu Eta Omega, Junction City, Ks.; Mu Omega, Kansas City, Ks.; Tau Psi Omega, Iowa City, Iowa; Upsilon Rho Omega, Overland Park, Ks.; and Undergraduate Chapters, Delta, University of Kansas; Epsilon Alpha, Wichita State University; Epsilon Theta, University of Iowa; Eta Tau, Drake University/Iowa State University; Kappa Pi, Kansas State University; Upsilon, Washburn University. Mary Chapman will serve as conference chairman, Mildred Edwards and Tonia Blue will serve as co-chairmen. The conference theme “Northbound Express: Celebrating Our Spirit of Excellence” will capture the mission this organization has continued to achieve in service to communities across the country and abroad for 113 years. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated program platform, under the leadership of Dr. Glenda Glover, International President and CEO, “Exemplifying Excellence Through Sustainable Service” ℠., focuses on five target areas which aim to address critical issues that impact the quality of lives throughout the world . Target 1: Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) for Life: A Call to Action Target 2: Women’s Healthcare and Wellness Target 3: Building Your Economic Legacy Target 4: The Arts! Target 5: Global Impact Former Iowa native, Mrs. Twyla Woods-Buford, Mid-Western Regional Director, will preside over the 3 day virtual conference. Woods-Buford is a retired educator who spent 40 years in the Des Moines Iowa Public School System where she served as an Elementary
School Principal, Assistant Director of Elementary Education, Associate Superintendent of Human Resources and Chief of Staff. “Although we cannot meet in person, we are excited to bring our conference to the Iowa communities and across the other states in the MidWestern Region. We will be conducting service projects online that will benefit the Des Moines and Iowa City communities, in addition to taking care of the business of the Region.” says Woods-Buford. The conference’s major service projects consist of members donating new and gently worn shoes to support the international service project Soles4Souls and collecting eye glasses that will be distributed to the area Lions Club. Members of the community will be able to take part and help families in need during this pandemic, by making monetary donations to the COVID-19 Relief Full Cart online virtual food bank project. Access the Mid-Western donation link at https://fullcart.org/aka-donate. There will be a number of online events that are open to the public. Friday, March 19th from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m. there will be a online EAF auction, and from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., the organization will host a public program where local leaders and organizations that have significantly impacted their communities with outstanding community service, will be honored. There will be greetings by legislative officials and the Divine Nine. Music will be rendered by the Roosevelt High School Bridges 2 Harmony Choir. Remarks will be given by the AKA International President and CEO, Dr. Glenda Glover. A closing Gala will be held on Saturday, March 20th from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Sunday, March 21st, the sorority will conclude the conference with an Ecumenical Service from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.. All public programs will be able to be accessed via www.Facebook/MidWesternRegionofAlphaKappaAlphaSorority and the AKA Mid-Western Region YouTube Channel. ############ Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of over 300,000 members in approximately 1,018 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Japan, Liberia, and South Korea. Led by International President & CEO, Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, Alpha Kappa Alpha is often hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African American women.” For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and its programs, log onto www.aka1908.com. Mrs. Twyla Woods Buford, Mid-Western Regional Director Mrs. Twyla Woods Buford, Mid-Western Regional Director The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 51
gO Host Chapter Iota Zeta Omega and Mid-Western Regional Director, Twyla Woods-Buford dIGITAL aDVERTISE WITH Iota Zeta Omega making an impact in the Des Moines Community
Des Moines Playhouse Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE nature of the dream, Black Iowan Stories, Premieres Feb.25, 2021 Photos available online at https://www.dmplayhouse. com/events/nature-of-the-dream/ Contact: Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse Marketing Associate, 515.974.5358 nature of the dream, a devised film exploring Black identity in Iowa, will debut at 7:00 PM, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. It will be available for viewing through Sunday, Mar. 7, 2021. Directed by Miriam Randolph and produced by Two Steps to the Left Productions with assistance from The Des Moines Playhouse, the film is an exploration of maintaining Black identity in predominantly white spaces. nature of the dream video-on-demand will be available at dmplayhouse.com. In order to make nature of the dream accessible to as many as possible, viewers can choose from a variety of ticket prices ranging from $5 to $100. The full ticket price will be shared by Urban Dreams and nature artists. Immediately following the film’s Feb. 25 premiere, there will be a live conversation with the creators on The Playhouse’s Facebook page. A Facebook account is not needed to view this conversation, nor do individuals need to purchase the film to participate. The conversation will be recorded and posted on The Playhouse’s website and YouTube channel and on Two Steps to the Left Productions’ website for future viewing. nature of the dream has its origins in devised theatre. Devised theatre is a freeform style in which all members of the creative group work collectively and collaboratively to create a performance completely from scratch. There is no script involved prior to the devising process, but rather the script gets written along the way. Due to COVID-19, this finished product is a film rather than theatre. Randolph said, “We wanted to give Black actors and creatives a safe space to express themselves in ways they may not have had in Iowa prior to this project. Too often Black creatives are ignored or silenced and having a place for us to be artistically free is therapeutic and it enlightens us.” The title nature of the dream is a double entendre of sorts, referring to both how the American dream applies, or does not apply, to Black citizens in America and also to personal dreams that Black Americans have. Using the latter helped form a narrative explanation for how each ensemble member would be able to portray multiple characters in the film. Randolph explained, “There’s a theory that when we sleep, we may all be interconnected in a dream world. In the devising process, one of my actors brought that up and I loved that idea. We all have multiple dreams in our lives, and each plays a different role in each other’s. I wanted to embrace this theory through set design, lighting, and music.” Once the script was developed, Two Steps to the Left Productions filmed in The Playhouse’s Kate Goldman Theatre and at locations around Des Moines including the Des Moines Art Center. Katy Merriman, artistic director of The Playhouse, said working and sharing resources with Two Steps to the Left Productions fit perfectly with the theatre’s mission. “Theatre is storytelling. The Playhouse wants to share more of our community’s stories.” The nature of the dream creative team is led by an ensemble of actors featuring Clifton Antoine, Darrick Burrage, Colo Chanel, Mar Feitelson, Alexandra Gray, Kiera McGregor, Miriam Randolph, Donna Scarfe, and Antonesia Williams. nature of the dream’s production team includes Miriam Randolph (director, producer), Micah Ariel James (dramaturg, co-producer), Kierra Lewis (producer, assistant director), Henry Parizek (producer, music, sound), Ethan Seiser (production manager, lighting), Chase Stine (director of photography), and Alex Wortherly (production manager, lighting). Playhouse staff members Katy Merriman (artistic director), Angela Lampe (costumer, associate artistic director), Tim Harris (technical director), and Virgil Kleinhesselink (master electrician) also provided assistance. In support of the film, Raygun has produced, in collaboration with the nature team, a promotional tee shirt, UPLIFT BLACK VOICES IN ALL SPACES: NATURE OF THE DREAM. A portion of these proceeds will also be donated to Urban Dreams and nature of the dream artists. nature of the dream artists chose to share proceeds from the film and merchandise with Urban Dreams because this film is about uplifting underrepresented voices in Iowa. The team said, “This film comes from the community. It would be wrong to not give back in every way that we can. Urban Dreams advocates for all members of the community, breaking down barriers to success and collaborating with area organizations to overcome obstacles and uplift underserved and underrepresented people.” Founded in 1985, the Urban Dreams vision is to create equal opportunity and access for all to pursue their dreams. The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 53
Iowa Juneteenth Observance A Program of The Des Moines Urban Experience “Marking 31 Years of Service to the Iowa Community” 2021 Iowa Juneteenth Observance Essay Contest Sponsored by Drake University Juneteenth is an international observance marking the end to slavery on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth will celebrate 156 years of celebration during 2021. The Iowa Juneteenth Observance will mark its 31st anniversary as well. On April 11, 2002, Governor Tom Vilsack signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as an official day of recognition in Iowa that is observed annually on the third Saturday in June. This year’s theme for Iowa Juneteenth 2021 is “A Family Affair.” ELIGIBILITY: The essay contest is statewide and open to “all students” enrolled in grades 9 through 11. We encourage essayists to enlist the guidance of a teacher or other adult when completing the essay. The essay contest serves as an inspirational vehicle for youth to strengthen appreciation for: 1) scholarship, 2) cultural diversity; and 3) the enhancement of community relations. ESSAY QUESTION: “How have the events in 2020/2021 impacted you and/or your community and how would you mend the cultural divide in this country.” CONTEST RULES REQUIREMENTS: 1) Essays must be a minimum of 500 words and not exceed 700 words; 2) Essays may be typed or word-processed (double spaced); 3) Essayists must use at least 5 sources of information from books, newspapers, magazines, or websites which must be listed (cited) on a separate page and submitted with the essay; 4) Submit a color photo (portrait style – headshot), and 5) Complete the Student Information Form provided with this application which can be accessed at www.iowajuneteenth.com TOP HONORS: Each of the three winning essayists will receive a trophy. In addition, the first-place winner will receive a $1,000.00 cash prize, the second-place winner will receive a $500.00 cash prize, and the third-place winner will receive a $250.00 cash prize. The trophies and cash prizes are scheduled to be presented at an Iowa Juneteenth Observance awards ceremony in Des Moines (TBA) and winning essayists must be present to receive their trophies/ cash prizes. DEADLINE: Submit your essay, along with the Student Information Form, your photo, and your list of reading sources, by email, on or before Friday April 30th, 2021, to Nakia Ewing at nakiae78@gmail.com or send the original essay by regular mail (postmarked by April 30th, 2021) to: The Des Moines Urban Experience Iowa Juneteenth Essay Contest PO Box 3092, Des Moines, Iowa 50316
Let’s Support our Black Owned Businesses Bottle and Bottega James and Bridget Neely Wine & Painting https://www.bottleandbottega.com/des-moines/ This year The Urban Experience Magazine celebrates 5 years. This isn’t a list of all the Black owned businesses in our city. The businesses listed below have been either featured or supported the Urban Experience Magazine in the last five year. Put your business card in the Urban Experience Magazine for $25 a month for the first year. Reach out to us at: contactdsmurban@gmail.com for more details. Urban City Magazine Howell Dixon Magazine/Podcast https://urbancitymag.co/ Ruby B’s Catering Bradley Family Restaurant 515) 681-4028 https://www.facebook.com/ rubybskitchen/ The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 55
Hip Hope, Inc Bo James https://hiphopeinc.wixsite.com/hiphopeinc Tranzitions Salon & Beauty Bar Ty Daye & Courtney Beauty Salon https://www.facebook.com/TranZitionsBeautySalon/ Roots to Branches Ricki King https://www.rootstobranchesgenealogy.com/ Black Women 4 Healthy Living Brandi Miller Health https://www.facebook.com/groups/ bw4hl/?ref=share MAV Nu Direction Calvetta Berry https://www.facebook.com/ma.vs.73 Iowa Juneteenth Observance Dwana Bradley www.iowajuneteenth.com Van Esther Vanessa Lewis www.vanesther.com Made Easley Advertising Ash Easley www.asheasley.myportfolio.com NAACP Des Moines Branch Kameron Middlebrooks https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/ NAACP Iowa/Nebraska Branch Betty Andrews www.iowanebraskanaacp.org SoulFit Zakiya English https://www.facebook.com/DsmSo www.imagezphotostudio.com (515) 223-6122
Angela Jackson’s bio Angela Jackson, Esq. is an Entrepreneur and owner of The Great Frame Up which is an Art Gallery and Custom Framing Business located in West Des Moines. She also is Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Athene USA Corporation. Angela serves her community as Board Member of The West Des Moines Chamber, Des Moines Arts Festival, Cornerstone Family Church and an Honorary Board Member for Des Moines Performing Arts. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Des Moines Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. Angela is a Thought Leader and alumni of Washington University School of Law and Duke University. Gary Lawson’s Bio Debra Carr Bio Debra Carr serves professionally and personally as a champion for diversity, inclusion, and equity. Uplifting women and girls to become the best version of themselves is foundational. Debra is Principal Consultant and owner of Carr and Associates and works full-time for Des Moines Public Schools consulting for building level administrators, faculty, and staff to achieve school improvement goals. Debra has received numerous awards and is a champion for her community in which she has served for many years. Gary Lawson is a freelance writer who focuses on various aspects of business and government. He earned a graduate degree in Government Administration, and an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a duel concentration in Management and Marketing. He is a VietnamEra veteran who has served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Army. In addition, he has taught business courses at Drake University and Des Moines Area Community College. Celeste Lawson’s bio Celeste Lawson is a freelance writer who focuses on various aspects of education and cultural diversity. She earned a graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education, with concentrations in English and Language Arts. In addition, she has more than 20 years of classroom experience with teaching students at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. DeMarcus Hamilton bio Marc Supreme is the program director for the urban a/c radio station, Strictly Hip Hop 90.7FM, in Peoria, IL. He is also a freelance journalist and commentator, covering politics and entertainment. Twitter & IG: @marc_supreme Clubhouse: @marcsupreme The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 57
Terence G. Haynes is a Musician, Neo Renaissance Artisan, writer, 30-year career Chef and currently running for Omaha Nebraska City Council District 2 North Omaha. Lori A. Young Bio He is a community advocate and bridge builder, a motivational strategist/coach with a passion for people development and Diversity and inclusion champion. A strong faith and belief base in Christ that furnishes a wellgrounded ethical foundation. He has a team building approach to empowering individuals to believe in and think for themselves. He is a multi-faceted communicator, dedicated to making a positive difference in every life he touches. Bert Moody is a Photographer, an IT Consultant, and Web Designer for the Urban Experience Magazine. He has been with the magazine from its inception. He has been a Freelance Photographer in the Des Moines area since 1985, first with Esquire Photo Agency and now with Imagez Photo Studio (www. imagezphotostudio.com). He also is a longtime associate at Nationwide Insurance as is a part of their National Network of Black Associates. Bert volunteers for many activities in the community and is a Board member with The Des Moines Urban Experience. Bert is married with three grown children. Lori A. Young is a native of Des Moines and a graduate of Tech High School and Grand View University. Her professional experience lies in corporate internal and marketing communications. Currently she is self-employed on assignment with the non-profit organization, Just Voices Iowa, as a Communications Director and Project Manager. In her spare time, she’s a feature writer, artist, and community organizer/social activist fighting on issues such as racial, environmental, and economic justice for over 10 years.
Calling for Submissions The Urban Experience Magazine Negus Sankofa Imhotep’s Bio Negus Sankofa Imhotep is the Academic & Workforce Coordinator at Urban Dreams and the Deferred Expulsion Case Manager for Des Moines Public Schools. In these roles, he has connected several of Central Iowa’s top employers with highly skilled untapped talent, assisted hundreds of marginalized central Iowans in securing gainful employment, and successfully advocated on behalf of more than 50 students who faced expulsion from the Des Moines Public School district. Negus is also a sought-after orator and community ally, having served as an Executive Board Member for the Iowa Human Rights Board, a past Chair and Commissioner of the Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans. In 2015, Negus launched Rudison Consultancy Group, LLC to offer cultural community network advising and cultural competency training to agencies and organizations across the region. His commitment to educating emerging leaders is what led him to teaching positions at Hawkeye Community College and Joshua Christian Academy in 2013. Negus holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Political Science from Excelsior College, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Norwich University, and is currently writing his dissertation for a Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Northcentral University. What are we looking for? Poetry, Interviews, Short Stories, Comics, Photography, Music & Performance Reviews, Opinion pieces or whatever you are thinking! When do we want it? The deadline for all content is the 15th of each month. What kind of writers do we like? Experienced creative writers and those who have never written before. So what do YOU do? Checkout the website at www.theurbanexp.com Email your submissions to contactdsmurban@gmail.com, and help us make each edition of the magazine great! The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 59
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