For Immediate Release Media Contacts Dwana Bradley, Executive Director Des Moines Urban Experience dmuexp15@gmail.com 515-829-0927 The Connection Foundation has recently transferred custodianship of the Iowa African American Hall of Fame (IAAHF) over to the Des Moines Urban Experience. Des Moines, IA - On Monday, October 25, 2023, Gary Lawson, both Founder of the Connect Foundation and the IAAHF, along with his daughter, Celeste Lawson, who is the President of the Connect Foundation, transferred custodianship of the IAAHF to the Des Moines Urban Experience. The Des Moines Urban Experience is also responsible for annually presenting the Iowa Juneteenth Observance, which was transferred over to the Des Moines Urban Experience by the Connect Foundation during 2015. The Connect Foundation had previously transferred total custody of the IAAHF over to officials at Iowa State University, the primary official being Dr. George Jackson. However, following Dr. Jackson's retirement, Iowa State University officials have made adjustments and most recently decided to just retain responsibility for hosting a website Iowa African American Hall of Fame (iastate.edu) featuring photos and induction information concerning inductees. Both Gary and Celeste Lawson believe that the Des Moines Urban Experience is the best choice for operating the IAAHF due to their proven history of: 1) annually, and successfully, presenting the Iowa Juneteenth Observance, and 2) utilizing the Iowa Urban Media to keep communities across Iowa informed. Initially, and due to the recent pandemic, the IAAHF plans on inducting up to six inductees per year, starting during February 2024. More information will follow, however, you are encouraged to reach out to Dwana Bradley, at dmuexp15@gmail.com or Gary Lawson at qms2000@aol.com for more information. 35
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