It is also worth noting that in addition to the Iowa African American Hall of Fame induction ceremonies being held at Iowa State University, there also were other hosting locations, such as the facilities at Iowa Public Television (Johnston, Iowa), and Prairie Meadows (Altoona, Iowa) to name a few. Following Dr. George Jackson’s retirement during June of 2009, my time working with the Iowa African American Hall of Fame had all but ceased. It was during February of 2021 that my attention was directed to a nonfunctional link to Iowa State University’s Iowa African American Hall of Fame website. I contacted the Assistant Dean for Intercultural Initiatives and Resource Centers & Director of Multicultural Affairs and alerted him about the unresponsive website link. I later contacted the only Board member of the Iowa African American Hall of Fame to set up a meeting with the Assistant Dean for Intercultural Initiatives and Resource Centers & Director of Multicultural Affairs in order to determine what may be done to ‘gear up’ the activities of the Iowa African American Hall of Fame. It wasn’t until October of 2021 when we met, but I continued reaching out to the sole Board member of the Iowa African American Hall of Fame leading up to the preparation of this article. I met one of Dr. Jackson’s daughters during the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the state capitol building during 2021 and received information from her about the hiring of a new Senior Vice President for Student Affairs at Iowa State University. I am trying to work with the Board Member of the Iowa African American Hall of Fame to schedule a meeting with the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs in order to regenerate the expected support for the Iowa African American Hall of Fame. Dr. Jackson died during July of 2016, leaving a legacy that will live on at Iowa State University. Although Dr. Jackson is resting in peace, I am committed to seeking the restoration of support for the Iowa African American Hall of Fame on the level of operation that his leadership expected. He was a caring, resolute, and productive individual and it was indeed a pleasure serving with him. Many of you reading this article may have a family member, or know of someone, that was inducted into, or is a prime candidate for induction into, the Iowa African American Hall of Fame. Contact Iowa State University and find out more about the Iowa African American Hall of Fame. In closing, the Iowa African American Hall of Fame has been in existence for more than a quarter-century highlighting the accomplishments of African Americans and preserving their contributions for the benefit of future generations of Iowans. Please expect, and support, the continuance of that effort on the highest levels possible. We owe that much to those whose legacies contributed a significant impact on shaping Iowa. I believe, and history reveals, that the Black Cultural Center and the Iowa African American Hall of Fame were destined to be a great match. The pandemic may have caused a temporary issue, but with your vigilance and support…we shall overcome. Follow this link https://iaahf.studentaffairs. iastate.edu and contact officials at Iowa State University to see how you can support, or nominate someone for induction into, the Iowa African American Hall of Fame! God Bless…and Happy African American History Month! 9
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