Featured Story: Volunteer to Help End Alzheimer’s Inside CDC urges All Travelers to Get Vaccinated Courageous Truths Tawnya’s Story The Power of Patience 1
WRITERS & STAFF Editor-In-Chief Dwana Bradley Copy Editor Virgina Smith Contributors Creative Director Nikki Goldman - LosRos Graphix Donnetta Austin Debra Carr Terence Haynes Angela Jackson Celeste Lawson Gary Lawson Bert Moody Lori Young Marcus Supreme Courageous Fire 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 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 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
SUMMARY 6 12 21 Join our email club at: joindsmurban@gmail.com Submit your news to: dsmurbannews@gmail.com Become a Outlet for Urban: contactdsmurban@gmail.com 30 3 11 12 Featured Artist DMPS Equity & Inclusion Program Manager 16 Tawnya’s Story 14 The Power of Discernment From God CDC Urges All Travelers to get Vaccinated 26 21 28 30 Suicide & Suicide Prevention The Power of Patience Alzheimer’s Association The Importance of Mental Health Counseling
GET THE URBAN EXPERIENCE The Urban Experience Magazine was founded by my father Roderick Bradley. In the 80’s and early 90’s my father ran The Iowa Bystander/The Communicator Newspaper which was the oldest African American publication in Iowa. After selling the newspaper he went onto be a Pastor and has been pastoring for over twenty years. In December 2014 my father wanted to start a magazine. Having no journalistic experience, I didn’t know if this is something I should touch knowing how my father felt about his newspaper years ago, I accepted the challenge. Our first publication was printed in February 2014 and distributed in churches. As time went on my father decreased with his assistance with the magazine and now, I run the magazine and our media company Iowa Urban Media which prints and publishes the magazine, and we have The Urban Impact Show which airs via social media on Sundays. We have grown from having our publication in churches to various locations across the city and social media. At first the why for doing the magazine was my father, but now I love to tell the stories of others. “Mainstream media portrays African Americans negatively. We make the news when there has been a murder or robbery. I knew there were stories to tell, stories that told of our struggles, stories that tell of our greatness, and stories that inspire.” The Urban Experience Magazine currently reaches people in the state of Iowa and across the United States digitally and in print. When you view the magazine, you will read articles related to health, arts and culture, education, spirituality, public affairs, and community. Our articles are positive and empower and educate our readers. To learn more, check out our website at www.theurbanexp.com to see the latest issue of the publication. Blessings, Dwana Bradley Dwana Bradley Iowa Urban Media The Urban Experience Magazine
EDITORIAL FEELINGS FOR FALL T Dwana Bradley Editor in Chief he most wonderful time of year, no I’m not talking about wintertime, but fall. I don’t know about you, but I get excited as the leaves begin to change and they start to fall. The noise of children playing in the leaves, and pumpkin spiced lattes. I get to pull out my boots, sweaters, stretch pants and sit out in the chilly air and watch high school and college football games. I know we are in the middle of Covid with various variants all around us. I hope you can focus on what you love and enjoy most about life. Living in fear seems like it will be so stressful, arguing with others seems like it will take years off your life, and locking yourself in the house seems like you’ll be letting life pass you by. I get it there are so many uncertainties in life and everyone seems to be an expert with no degree to back it up, but this is the world we are living in. The question I have for you is how will you choose to live? I’m choosing love, joy, peace, happiness, kindness, compassion and showing grace to others as I know grace is given to me every day when I open my eyes. I believe disagreeing is healthy, if we all believed the same the world would be boring so I look at those who may not agree with me as the spiciness needed in this world. My prayer is that we continue to have conversations to share our differences and walk away having a greater respect for one another. I pray that you the readers of the Urban Experience Magazine will also choose love, joy, peace, happiness, kindness, compassion, and showing others grace. You only get once chance at this life thing so live life to the fullest and take care of you because you are needed in this world. 5
THE ART CENTER SUPPORTS AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST SEPTEMBER FEATURE EL ANATSUI GHANAIAN, BORN 1944 BASIN 2012 FOUND ALUMINUM AND COPPER WIRE Purchased with funds from the Coffin Fine Arts Trust; Nathan Emory Coffin Collection of the Des Moines Art Center, the Edmundson Art Foundation, Inc., the Ellen Pray Maytag Madsen Sculpture Acquisition Fund, Harriet S. Macomber in memory of Vincent and Genevieve Evans Starzinger, Melva Bucksbaum, and Kathy and Herb Eckhouse, 2014.8 The Des Moines Art Center is proud to have dozens of works by Black artists in its permanent collection. Because these works live here in Des Moines, visitors to the museum can come in any time (our admission is free) and see amazing examples of art by Black artists from Des Moines, the United States, and around the globe. I’m Laura Burkhalter, Curatorial Manager at the Art Center, and am writing to introduce you to a work by Ghanaian/Nigerian artist El Anatsui that is on view now in the Pei building of the museum.
El Anatsui is one of the most respected contemporary artists working today, whose work has been collected and exhibited around the globe. The Des Moines Art Center was proud to host a career retrospective of his art in 2013, during which he visited our city and gave a public lecture. During my conversations with him, he was excited at the prospect of his beautiful, brightly-colored sculptures being viewed against the backdrop of snow coming through the museum windows – a sight not common in Nigeria where he lives and works. Anatsui began his career studying art in his native Ghana, eventually becoming a teacher there. In 1975, he was offered a position in the large city of Nsukka, Nigeria, and it is in that country that his career began to flourish. His first works that gained attention were small wooden sculptures inspired by both abstract art and traditional West African carving and textiles (one of which is the University of Iowa’s Stanley Museum of Art). One day in 1999, he discovered a discarded bag of aluminum bottle tops, and took them back to his studio. The liquor distilleries of Nigeria recycle the glass bottles they produce but throw away their metal tops as they are marked with logos of various competing brands. These tops soon became the basis for the revolutionary hanging artworks that would bring Anatsui international fame, of which Basin is an example. When cut and bent, the flexibility of these small metal pieces, combined with their vivid colors, allows “if you touch something, you leave a charge on it, and anybody else touching it connects with you, in a way.” - El Anatsui
for endless combinations of pattern and shape. Anatsui now purchases these caps for use in his studio. He hires young artists in his community to unroll the caps, and link them together with copper wire, forming blocks of various shapes. Much like quilting, these blocks are then wired together based on Anatsui’s design, creating heavy blankets of wire and metal that can be hung on the wall in various ways. The flexibility of the work means every time it is installed on the wall it will never look exactly the same way twice, as the small metal wires and pieces will drape a little differently each time. These artworks are difficult to define – they hang on the wall like a painting but come out into threedimensional space like a sculpture. They bend and move like cloth but are also heavy and have sharp edges. While the artist is aware of the comparisons to quilts and kente cloth, he prefers they be thought of as a unique kind of object, with its own, openended meaning. Some people have noted that the Des Moines Art Center’s work, Basin, resembles a map or a landscape seen from above, or even a large animal hide, and both of these are valid interpretations. It’s likely that the artist was thinking of many things when he arranged his patterns and colors, from the sights and sounds around his studio to the history of painting. These uncertainties and ambiguities add to the art’s appeal and allow the viewer to make up their own minds about it. In linking the scraps of metal, Anatsui says he feels he connects the individuals who have touched the materials in their journey from bottle cap to work of art. He says “if you touch something, you leave a charge on it, and anybody else touching it connects with you, in a way.” Beyond the raw materials, he is also interested in the history and cultural impact of the of the liquor trade, the production, marketing, and environmental impact of which connects Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Despite his international success, Anatsui has continued to work and advocate for the arts and people of Nigeria. Now in his 80s, he continues to work and influence a generation of young artists. justin Favela CENTRAL AMERICAN NOW OPEN MORE AT DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORG Justin Favela (American, born 1986) Detail from Central American, 2021 / Paper and glue / Courtesy of the artist 4700 GRAND AVENUE | DES MOINES
Art | Memories | Conservation Materials | Commercial & In-Home Consultation 25% Off Custom Framing! *Offer valid until 11/15/2021 West Glen Town Center | 5515 Mills Civic Parkway #150 West Des Moines, IA 50266 | 515-226-2310 | westdesmoines.thegreatframeup.com For millions of prints - shop our online store: shopthegreatframeupart.com You may qualify for a $10,000 forgivable loan! Home Purchase with Renovation Dreams Do Come True Members receive a adult 20% discount JOIN TODAY! summer classes IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL OPTIONS FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT desmoinesartcenter.org/LEARN Purchase Loans A home mortgage loan for individuals seeking to purchase a home in one of our lending areas. When qualifying for a purchase loan, borrowers may also receive a subsidized loan of up to $2,500 in closing costs and up to $10,000 for home renovations. These subsidized loans are forgiven after five years of owning the home. Front Porch Loan Loans restricted to exterior repairs only paired with a forgivable loan. The percent of a home improvement loan that can be forgiven is 25%, 33% or 50%, up to $10,000, depending on the household income. This program will consider borrowers with lower credit scores than NFC is able to approve through the NFC Advantage loan programs. Refinance with Renovation Home Improvement If you’re looking to purchase or renovate in an NFC lending area, then NFC has a product for you. Home Improvement Loans Make home repairs to a home within our lending areas. The percent of a home improvement loan that can be forgiven is 25%, 33% or 50%, up to $10,000, depending on the household income. Refinance Loans NFC may also help you save money by refinancing an existing mortgage on a home you already own in an NFC lending area and receive up to $10,000 in a subsidized renovation loan. Dedicated to keeping neighborhoods strong in Polk County! Contact NFC Today! NEIGHBORHOOD FINANCE CORPORATION 1912 6TH AVENUE, DES MOINES, IOWA 50314 NeighborhoodFinance.org | 515.246.0010 NMLS# 8943 9
Wynn-Green Becomes Equity & Inclusion Program Manager Carol Wynn-Green will be the new Equity and Inclusion Program Manager at Des Moines Public Schools. She replaces Jacob Cummings, who left the district to pursue other opportunities. Originally from Iowa, Wynn-Green graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her career as a Prevention Specialist at Area Substance Abuse Control in the city. In 1996, she moved to Lakeland, Florida, to work for the Department of Labor as a case manager, the Department of Revenue as a revenue specialist, and Polk State College as a Testing Services Advisor. Her most recent work took her to Polk County Public Schools, where she has served as an Equity and Compliance Analyst for the last decade. “Carol’s experience in diversity training and action plans, community-based partnerships and district policy will be a strong asset for her position,” said Susan Tallman, Chief of Talent and Personnel at DMPS. “She will be focused on ensuring the equitable treatment of DMPS staff.” An Equity and Inclusion Program Manager assists in the development and execution of programs, initiatives, and training that promote and support diversity at DMPS. Wynn-Green will monitor and ensure equal access to educational, employment and promotional opportunities. She will provide information, requirements, training and support to school district leaders and staff to ensure compliance with all diversity initiatives and legal Carol Wynn-Green Published on www.dmschools.org Photo Credit: Des Moines Public Schools mandates including those in Affirmative Action, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, and other applicable laws. “My heart never left Iowa,” Wynn-Green said. “When I saw the position available, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to work in a new, but yet familiar setting and potentially make a positive difference in the lives of people in my home state.” Susan Tallman, Chief of Talent and Personnel, will remain the Title IX Coordinator until Wynn-Green begins her work at DMPS on Sept. 8. Published on www.dmschools.org Photo Credit: Des Moines Public Schools 11
Health CDC urges all travelers to get vaccinated By: Jenny Manrique D espite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warning unvaccinated Americans not to travel during the Labor Day, the weekend mobility spread COVID infections. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day average of new cases on Monday was 300% higher than Labor Day 2020, resulting in overcrowded hospitals and an increase in infections among children. CDC experts convened by Ethnic Media Services warned that while we have experienced several waves during the pandemic, the current one is “a fairly large surge”, related to a number of factors, including the highly transmissible Delta variant. “This pandemic continues to take a major toll,” said Dr. Peggy Honein, who leads the State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support Task Force in CDC’s COVID-19 response. “Despite the availability of proven mitigation measures and very effective vaccines, we are seeing increases in cases, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and deaths.” In June, less than 12,000 cases were reported per day as a seven-day average; today that number is 150,000. The average number of new hospital admissions is up over 12,000, and the CDC reports nearly 1,000 deaths a day. In total, almost 640,000 deaths and nearly 40 million cases have been reported since the pandemic began. In this context, under 53% of the population is vaccinated, with adults 65 years and older being the most covered (82% have been vaccinated) and young people between 12 and 17 years of age, the least protected (only 40% have received both doses). “We are particularly concerned about children,” Honein said, referring to the increase in hospitalizations among this population, mainly in states with low vaccination rates. “There is no vaccine authorized for children under 12 right now, but we can all do our part to protect children by vaccinating as many people as possible that are age 12 and over, and using other mitigation strategies, like wearing masks ”. The doctor also mentioned the reopening of schools in more counties across the country, in which “comprehensive layered prevention approaches” should be implemented. That means the use of several measures parallely: the promotion of vaccination, the universal use of masks, physical distancing, screening testing to identify and isolate cases quickly, and improving ventilation. “It has become even clearer over the last year, how important schools are not just for education, but for the overall mental and physical health of our children, so it is easy for transmission to occur when we let our guard down,” Honein added. She also pointed out that care should be increased in indoor public places where there could be crowding and, particularly in counties that have high levels of transmission that can be looked up in this CDC checker tool. Mass vaccination Jennifer Layden, Deputy Director of the CDC Office of Science, explained the latest CDC recommendations regarding people with moderate to severely compromised immune systems, who cannot get
the same level of protection as others with current vaccines. “They must receive an additional dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, at least 20 days after a second dose of any of the vaccines.” Booster shots will be offered free of charge as the first doses, once the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has completed an independent evaluation to determine their safety andnefficacy. “The estimated effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine against any infection, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, decreased from 91% to 66%, once the Delta variant became predominant,” acknowledged Layden. “However, our research with frontline workers and medical personnel shows that the vaccine still provides strong protection (against COVID-19).” According to Dr. Cindy Friedman, Chief of the Travelers’ Health Branch at the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, the warning for all travelers is to get vaccinated regardless of the level of risk to the country they are going, although it is recommended to check travel alerts for those destinations. “Anyone who is eligible must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling due to the Delta variant ... vaccinated people who travel must still take precautions, such as masking and social distancing,” she said. While viruses are not easily spread on flights due to the way the air is circulated and filtered on airplanes, security lines and airport terminals are crowded spaces, requiring close contact with other people. 13 If someone is vaccinated, they do not need to be tested before traveling, nor do they need to go into quarantine. To enter the United States, if someone is not vaccinated, they must show a negative COVID test taken no more than three days before the trip. Experts recommend checking local requirements for travelers who want to visit multiple states.
SPIRITUALITY The Power of Discernment From God The Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, God said; “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 1 Kings Chapter 3:5
t is important or crucial to put God first and in the midst of our daily decision making. Major consequences can take place when we immediately jump head first into a state of affairs. Have you ever thought to pray and consult with God on what he felt would be best? Without seeking God for wisdom we are most likely doomed. Discernment is a significant key in apart of our lives as survival. In the Bible 1 Kings Chapter 3:5 5. The Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, God said; “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 1 Kings Chapter 3:914 9. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. 10. The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked this. 11. God said to him; since you have asked for this and not for a long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for death I of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12. I will do what you have asked. Not only did Solomon get an answer from God but in scriptures 1 Kings Chapter 3:13-14 (Please Read) God also gave what Solomon did not ask for both riches and honor. God told Solomon if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life. The scripture in 1 Kings Chapter 3 most definitely speaks Volumes about how amazing our heavenly father is. The Lord wants to be a part of every situation we face from day to day. No matter what that looks like. We are to remain in tune with him, like minded within his image, believing that his outcome is for our greater good. By Author Donnetta Austin Amazon “Never Retire God” Email be.encouragedbyone@gmail.com No matter who you are, an HIV test is right for you. (PHOTO) Ask your health care provider for an HIV test today. Visit stophiviowa.org for more information, including testing locations near you. 15
COURAGEOUS TRUTHS: Tawnya’s Story As she sat in the audience listening intently, Tawnya realized tears had been slipping down her cheeks for a while now. At 20 years old, she realized she had experienced abuse several times - without even KNOWING it. How?…
“Beautiful, it’s not your fault. How can you keep yourself safe from something when you don’t recognize it as being dangerous?” As Tawnya1 listened to the woman, her words were so simple, her message so clear. When Tawnya heard her talk, her understanding of what she had experienced seemed so easy to understand. But when Tawnya thought about trying to tell friends what she felt, confusion, embarrassment, shame, and guilt made her feel completely incapable of confidently telling them what she now knew about some of the times in her sexual past. Like Blaze. Tawnya had the biggest crush on him in 8th grade. She finally got his attention and ended up going to one of the afterschool dances with him. Tawnya carefully picked out an ensemble that highlighted the best parts of her figure. After a fast dance song, they stopped to get some punch and some fresh air. When Blaze walked her out the back door instead of the front door, Tawnya remembered being so excited. “OMG, he’s gonna kiss me!”, she thought happily to herself. He did, and she felt soo lucky. She still remembers feeling startled when he suddenly slipped his hand up her midriff top in the middle of the second kiss. “What are you doing?!” she thought to herself, but the words seemed to be trapped in her throat. Tawnya searched his face for the kindness and interest in his eyes from the school halls and the dance floor but found none. The shift in his manner made her body stiffen and her mind race. “What does this mean? Is he mad at me for seeming uncomfortable with this?” Earlier, Tawnya had wanted this night to end in being his girlfriend. Now she just wanted this night to end. He continued kissing and groping until Tawnya’s thought processes just - stopped. Finally, she remembered hearing the sound of the music from the dance and the voices of the other students. She knew it was over for now. Tawnya left the dance shortly after and avoided Blaze from that moment on. For the longest time after that night Tawnya had thought of telling someone, but what would she say? Wasn’t it her fault she found herself in that situation? I mean, she did want to dance, she did want to kiss, she did want to be his girlfriend. The disoriented thoughts had always seemed impossible to sort out - until now. Now she knew it was sexual coercion. The woman, Courageous, was talking about the fact that sexual coercion2,3 IS sexual abuse4 , and that sexual abuse IS domestic violence. “Oh wow” she thought, “just like when Patrick and I were 17 together in our junior year in high school and told me he could find a new prom date who would be willing to do fellatio if I just couldn’t seem to bring myself to get over it in time!” Tawnya could see in the definitions showing up on the screen that was him trying to make her “feel threatened or afraid of what might happen if [she said] no.”5 Finally, somebody gave her confusion a name. Finally, somebody gave her haunting thoughts on her horrible past experiences like Blaze, Patrick, and others solid validation. When Tawnya heard the speaker talk about how common sexual coercion actually is, she instantly felt less isolated… • “Black women have a complicated historical and contemporary relationship with domestic violence and sexual abuse within the United States. This has resulted in the highest rates of both domestic violence and sexual abuse victimization for Black women than any other ethnic/racial group.”6 • “Rates of experiencing sexual coercion are, ranging from 55% of 18- to 19-year-olds experiencing some form of sexual coercion in the past to 43% of adolescent girls
and 36% of adolescent boys reporting a sexual coercive incident.”7 • “Estimates suggest 13% of women and 6% of men will experience sexual coercion (unwanted sexual penetration after being pressured in a non-physical way) in their lifetime; 27.2% of women and 11.7% of men experience unwanted sexual contact.”8 It made Tawnya feel relieved to know that whether she found herself in a sexually coercive situation in a new or long term relationship, specific safety planning techniques and tactics were available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s website.9 Tawnya further learned that because she is a Black woman, due to the sexual exploitative mindset from Jim Crow, along with society’s denial of Black women’s victimhood,10 that she needed to get culturally-specific help to avoid future cycles of DV for herself. When she got home from the event, she went to cfirellc.com/ specialty, scrolled down to Survivor Support and clicked on “Sign Up” to learn how to end future cycles of DV by participating in Empowerment through the Arts™.11 I’m sharing Tawnya’s story during the month before Domestic Violence Awareness Month to help you embrace or support sexual safety in the following ways: 1. In a relationship? Make sure it’s healthy: Healthy Relationship Wheel Illustration. Or go to TheHotline.org, or Phone: 800-799-7233 2. In an abusive relationship? Talk to The Hotline.org to commence safety planning 3. Survivor and stable in your new life? Sign up for Empowerment through the Arts™; avoid future DV cycles: Survivor Support 4. Community member? In the month of September 2021, you have access to training to support Black DV survivors at NO COSTS. Call us at 515-428-0077 or email us at cfire2019@gmail: Awareness Talks & Community Safe Spaces 5. Want to financially support the work? Donate Here Blessings. #Permission By Courageous Fire DV Advocate & Founder of Courageous Fire, LLC Endnotes 1. Tawnya* is a fictitious, composite character, as well as the other characters in this story. Tawnya is used to demonstrate the factual material contained within this article. The characters’ attributes/demographics are taken from case studies, articles, and DV abuse definitions. 2. Sexual coercion definition: happens when someone won’t accept “no” and continues to try to convince you to change your mind about engaging in sexual activity. Taken from Healthline.com article, “What Does Sexual Coercion Look Like” 3. Sexual coercion additional definitions and facts National Domestic Violence Hotline article: “A Closer Look at Sexual Coercion” 4. Sexual abuse definition taken from NDVH article “Types of Abuse”: You may be experiencing sexual abuse if your partner has or repeatedly does any of the following: 5. Taken from National Domestic Violence article, “A Closer Look at Sexual Coercion” 6. Taken from VAWNET.org article, “What is connection between domestic violence, sexual assault, and reproductive justice and how does it impact Black women?” 7. Taken from National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine publication: “Predicting sexual coercion in early adulthood: The transaction between maltreatment, gang affiliation, and adolescent socialization of coercive relationship norms” 8. Taken from Domestic Violence Statistics on National Domestic Violence Hotline website: thehotline.org 9. Taken form NDVH article: “Safety Planning around Sexual Abuse” 10. Taken from VAWNET.org article, “What is connection between domestic violence, sexual assault, and reproductive justice and how does it impact Black women?” 11. Empowerment through the Arts™ is a program made specifically for Black female DV survivors of abuse at the hands of their male partners. It incorporates the healing empowerment of art, music, Black sisterhood, traditional therapeutic techniques, as well as guided discovery of predatory relationships planted within foundational learning. CFireLLC.com/specialty
JOINING OICES Leaders for equity WOMEN LEAD CHANGE 2021 SCHEDULED TO SPEAK: LUVVIE AJAYI JONES SELENA REZVANI 2021 CENTRAL IOWA CONFERENCE OCT. 27–28, 2021 TWO DAYS OF LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR WOMEN AND ALLIES GAYLE TZEMACH LEMMON JENNIFER PASTILOFF W. BRAD JOHNSON, PH.D. AND DAVID SMITH, PHD JUDI HOLLER PRESENTING SPONSOR www.wlcglobal.org/events/2021-central-iowa-conference/ REGISTRATION 19 LAURA VANDERKAM MARIANA ATENCIO Virtual or In-Person: $550/person Team Table: $4,400 (seats 8)
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 Advertise Here! Advertise Here! Advertise Here! Advertise Here! Advertise Here!
Written By: Cleophus (Cleo) Franklin Jr. “A man who is a master of patience is master of everything else.” - George Savile It’s confession time, and I am ready to share a truth about me that some people may not be aware of. However, those who do know me well, may find this revelation as no big surprise of what I am about to disclose to the world and many readers of this book. I have many admirable qualities (or at least I have been told); however, there is one area I have been challenged with, and the truth is, I struggle mightily with patience. Simply put, I am not a patient man. But I am certain, like me, many of you also lack this admirable trait. So, please count me in with this afflicted group of souls, as you now have my confession; however, please know that despite my affliction, I do my best to practice patience daily. The problem is, I have yet to master this ever-present challenge of acquiring the virtue of patience, and when it is absent in my life, I always get a harsh reminder of motivation to pick up the pace in my quest to find more patience. In fact, I often remind myself (and many others remind me as well) of this powerful and elusive attribute to ensure it remains at the forefront of my life—especially when 21 “ The Power of Patience ”
things are not moving along at my desired pace or to my desired outcome. I also keep a quote in my office, which serves as a mnemonic device and daily self-management trigger for me to be more patient. This quote happens to be a favorite of mine, as it encompasses the essence of patience and articulates clearly the positive outcomes of its presence and, on the contrary, the potential ruins in life when there is a departure from patience perfectly. The quote on my desk says, “‘One Years ago, I was working on a critical business project that I assigned to one of my team members who reported to me. The task I assigned to them was focused on creating a new business strategy that would eventually set us apart from our competitors in the industry we competed in. What excited me about this new execution was the project would provide extensive project management and market research experience to my colleague, essential goals, defined success, and gained alignment on the task expectations. In addition, we agreed that the assignment would be self-directed and, if problems arose or were encountered, my team member would come to me for direction, advice, and counsel to ensure the project would stay on track. As time passed, the project moved forward without any issues and challenges, as we were on budget and meeting the timeline goals and deliverables. There was “‘One moment of patienc disaster. One moment of whole life.’ —Chinese Pro moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.’ —Chinese Proverb.” So, let me share a short story with you that illustrates my continuous bouts with patience, the hard lessons I have learned, and am still learning. to their career and personal development. This highprofile assignment would also provide them exposure to our leadership team and visibility in managing a key organizational strategic initiative. In our project planning meeting, we outlined the goals clearly with specificity, set time-sensitive just one problem, and that was I wanted the project to move along at a faster pace. Why? Well, because my good friend impatience happened to take over against my better judgment. Now, fueled by a high dose of eagerness, I began watching my colleague’s performance
and task progression like a hawk. I added more frequent check-ins to the project and implemented a condensed timeline to get things moving faster. At the time, I convinced myself I was being a considerate and good leader who was just applying a method for success to the project and for the benefit of my colleague. Because good leaders, I thought to myself, understand the responsibility of ensuring their team is wellpositioned for success, and applying this added oversight Instead, I was seen as more like an incessant “Mother Hen”! Well, my colleague was right about my management style, as my approach of constant engagement and monitoring was not needed or appreciated. They did not understand why I had taken this approach to manage the project, and even worse, I did not let them know why I had implemented this new tactic. The project goal I had in mind was agreed to. This approach would, of course, require my report to work faster, beyond our agreed-to plan, and it would complete the task ahead of time. For example, if a car dealership communicates to you, “Sir, I will have your car fixed in 72 hours,” this is the expectation and agreement between the two parties, and one you will expect them to deliver on and hold them accountable to. If the dealership does in fact deliver your car within the time frame of 72 hours, you are happy; ce may ward off great f impatience may ruin a overb.” was just a tool to help achieve this goal. At least, that was my intention. I later found my team member had a different perspective about the application of this wonderful management approach, as they did not see me like a hawk hovering over them with a watchful eye. for my team member was based on good intentions and strictly for their benefit— to get the project done quickly. My plan was to help my colleague understand the value of under-promising and overdelivering in the business world, as this will give you the opportunity to exceed expectations beyond what however, if the dealership delivers your car in 48 hours, this delivery is more than what you had agreed to and exceeds your expectations, which results in a delightful customer experience, all because you get your delivery ahead of schedule. From this perspective, my 23
approach made good logical sense and would deliver to everyone a “win-win” outcome and experience. Instead, my clandestine motives (driven by impatience) created a “lose-lose” outcome for me and my team member. In short, I frustrated my report with my nonstop project monitoring. As we neared midway of the project’s completion, my colleague came to me and shared how they felt overwhelmed with the project and asked to be taken off the assignment. We discussed the benefit of staying on the project and gaining that valuable career development experience, but this discussion did not persuade them to stay on. At the time and driven by my limited and singular focused view, I took their response as a sign that they were not ready for this prime-time opportunity, and so I agreed to take them off the project. As I took the project over, delivered it ahead of schedule, and subsequently received several “great job” and “congrats” comments, these platitudes provided a short-term win for me but not for my direct report. Why? Because my shortsightedness and impatience derailed a chance to provide an opportunity for personal development to someone who truly needed project management experience to move forward in their career. Even worse, later that year during a review, I asked my report to take on another task, and they immediately responded with a “No, I think I’ll pass.” I was shocked to hear this response as they opened up to me about my “lack of patience” management style. I told them (and tried to justify that) my impatience was driven by the goal of having them underpromise and over-deliver, and I explained the wonderful benefits of this process. After sharing my rationale with my colleague, the look I received from them was one I will never forget. My report told me, “Cleo, I do not work at your pace, and in fact, I work at my own. You said this task was good for my development, and with the timeline, we had agreed to, I was on task to complete it, but you never mentioned the ‘getting it
done quickly in any of our earlier discussions, which, quite frankly, was not fair to me because all I saw was a lack of trust and impatience in your management style.” That day informed and humbled me greatly. It was a harsh lesson in the power of patience, which is well stated with the following Chinese proverb: “A little impatience can ruin great plans.” Since that day, I have continued to do my best to ensure a good plan or relationship will not turn into shambles due to my impatience. Today, we live fast, process fast, we also want things instantly and quickly. Our world can be driven by instant engagement and gratification without pause and time to ponder. Whether it’s from a quick back-and-forth text message or social media exchange…we want it and expect it now! We even become frustrated when we are in a restaurant drive-through line, despite knowing the drive-through line process has been designed to deliver our order quickly. We still lose patience. It’s so easy to forget that sometimes the best things in life aren’t delivered to us instantly or on-demand. Think about the nine-month process every mother goes through to nurture a baby to birth and the years it takes to raise a child to an adult. Or the effort a student must take to go from elementary, middle, junior, and high school - before they embark on pursuing a career or head into college. Sometimes, the perfect answer—that elusive, picture-perfect partner we are seeking, the right business opportunity or job—may take time and not arrive immediately into your life. As it has been said, “Good things often take time...and if it takes time...then it is worth waiting for.” So, for today, tomorrow, and beyond, whenever you find yourself getting a bit anxious, getting stressed, and losing tolerance, take time, sit back, pause, reflect, and think about how you can be more patient, and then practice patience. And when you do practice patience, please share your ideas with me on what works for you to master this skill, because the path to patience is more than just a destination. It’s a nonstop journey, and I don’t mind having company along the way to remind me and keep me grounded as I wait for that order in the drive-through line, muttering under my breath the words, “Come on, I’m hungry and need my order, so please hurry up!” #practicepatience #coffeewithcleo “Good things often take time... and if it takes time... then it is worth waiting for.” 25
Broadlawns Medical Center Suicide and Suicide Prevention Dr. Kindra Perry, PsyD, LP, PMH-C S eptember is national suicide awareness month. According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death among all ages. Unfortunately, we’ve seen the overall suicide rate in the U.S. increase by over 35% since 1999. Suicide rates vary by race/ethnicity, age, and other factors, however overall the Suicide Prevention Resource Center reports that in the U.S.: • 78% of all people who die by suicide are male. • Individuals aged 45-64 are at the greatest risk of suicide. • The highest rates of suicide are among American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic white individuals. • Other Americans with higher than average rates of suicide include veterans, those living in rural areas, incarcerated individuals, workers in certain industries (i.e. construction), and transgender youth. Suicide rates among populations differ based on their ability to access culturally appropriate and effective behavioral health treatment and their experiences of discrimination and historical trauma. Other factors that may be related to suicide risk include having: • Diagnosed mental health conditions • Chronic pain or disabling illness • Serious financial, legal or criminal problems • Bullying or discrimination • Easy access to self-harm methods • Use of alcohol or drugs
NAMI reports that 46% of people who die by suicide already had a diagnosed mental health condition, and 90% experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts should not be considered normal and likely indicate more serious issues. It can be scary if someone you love talks about having suicidal thoughts. It can be even scarier if you find yourself having them. These thoughts must be taken seriously. Some warning signs, or behaviors that indicate someone may be at risk for suicide include: • Threatening to hurt or kill oneself, talking about being a burden, trapped or feeling hopeless • Increasing alcohol or drug use - More than 1 in 3 people who die from suicide are under the influence of alcohol at the time of death. • Feeling agitated, showing rage, talking about revenge or acting recklessly • Giving away possessions or withdrawing • Dramatic changes in mood or sleep behaviors If you are identifying warning signs in someone you love, it is important to quickly reach out and make a connection. Experts say that simply feeling connected can save a life. Some tips for this often challenging conversation include: • Discuss your observations calmly • Ask the question without dread: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” • Let the person know you are concerned and are willing to help • Express empathy for what the person is going through • Let the other person to do most of the talking • State that thoughts of suicide are often associated with a treatable illness • Tell the person that thoughts of suicide do not have to be acted on If the situation elevates to a suiciderelated crisis, it’s important to take immediate action. Unfortunately, mental health crises don’t always come with clear instructions on how to help. Some actions to take in a crisis include: • Call the suicide hotline 1-800273-8255. • Help the person think about people or things that have been supportive in the past - the things that are important to them and keep them here. If those supports are still available, help them reach out. • Reduce their access to highly lethal items. • Calmly request professional assistance (911/Mobile Crisis), especially if someone is talking about wanting to die/kill oneself, looking for a way to kill oneself, and expressing having no reason to live. Some things to avoid during a suicide-crisis: • Leave an actively suicidal person alone • Use guilt or threats to try to prevent suicide (i.e. You will go to hell, You will ruin other people’s lives if you die by suicide) • Agree to keep their plan a secret • Express any negative judgments Suicidal thoughts can be treated, and they can improve over time. Immediately connecting an individual in need with a mental health professional is critical. There is no wrong door at Broadlawns – we’re here to help! Our crisis team is available 24/7 to provide comprehensive emergency mental health services. The crisis team can be accessed by simply visiting Broadlawns’ Emergency Department or Broadlawns mobile crisis can be dispatched 24/7 in Polk County by calling 911 and telling law enforcement dispatch that there is a mental health crisis. Individual therapy is available through in-person and virtual visits for patients of all ages at Broadlawns Medical Center, call (515) 282-5695 for an appointment. Broadlawns Medical Center offers the most comprehensive delivery system for mental health services in Central Iowa. Our professionals are dedicated to excellence, compassion, and personalized care. To learn more visit www. broadlawns.org. 27
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: Iowa Chapter Volunteer to Help End Alzheimer’s and Dementia with the Alzheimer’s Association The Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter is looking for volunteers across Iowa to help in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. There are many different ways to get involved like helping at events, with programs like support groups and education, becoming an advocate and using your voice to spread awareness about the disease and the resources offered by the Alzheimer’s Association. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, and just as it takes a village to care for someone living with Alzheimer’s, it takes a team to put on the Walk. There are 19 Walks across the state of Iowa in September and October including in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Sioux City and the Quad Cities. There are numerous volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, and community service hours are available. Here are a few of the ways you can help: • • • Registration greeter Booth attendants Set-up and tear down • Water and snack stations • • • • • • Advocacy & Trial Match Start & finish line support Route monitors Photography Promise Garden attendants T-shirt distribution
You can also get involved with other events across the state like Memories in the Making in the Quad Cities in November, the Wine & Chocolate Festival in Sioux City in April and the Purple Soiree in Des Moines in June. If you’re interested in helping caregivers, families and individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, consider becoming a programs volunteer. You could lead a support group for caregivers in your area or become a community educator to teach others about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Become part of the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement by advocating for public policies that increase critical research funding and support all those affected, state and nationwide. Alzheimer’s and dementia affect over 6 million Americans, and Alzheimer’s disease is one of 29 the most critical public health issues in America. Help persuade policymakers to make Alzheimer’s a national priority by becoming an advocate. Alzheimer’s Association volunteers are passionate, inspired, and want to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Learn more about how you can get involved by visiting alz.org/iowa/ volunteer or contacting Sherita Jenkins, Manager of Community Volunteers, at snjenkins@alz.org or 319.238.7637.
Reverend Roderick Bradley, Founder, Urban Experience Magazine “Growing up as a young Black boy and into Mental Health: The Importance of Mental Health Counseling Dr. Clair Rudison Jr. Management Consultant. adulthood I never knew or heard anything about mental health counseling.”Caleb Thomas
Growing up as a young Black boy and into adulthood I never knew or heard anything about mental health counseling. Today I am a Mental Health Counselor. This has been an amazing journey from where I started to where I have planted myself in this specialized field of counseling. I’ve never taken the opportunity to really look back at my journey until now. I realized the benefits I missed out on personally if I had seen a therapist when I was a young teen. As a teen I experienced the death of my aunt who died in her sleep and nearly a month after her death, my great uncle died. Looking back, I understand now why their death was so difficult to process, and the devastation I felt. I had no one to talk about sudden death or any death for that matter. We all had our tears and sadness but after the tears then what? I remember being stuck in the “then what” phase, this was the first time someone died in my family that was so close. I lived in the same house as my aunt and my great uncle which made it even more difficult. I remember I would skip school just to reflect on this thing called death and sorrow. Since I had no one to talk to or reach out to I tried to talk it out myself. Talk out the pain, the frustration, and the hurt. As I fast forward nearly 30 years later I can honestly say there is value in having and speaking with a mental health counselor. So many things happen in our lives that are beyond our control, such as disease, death, sickness, sadness, disappointments, failures, divorce and other heartaches and pain. I have realized because these things happen, we need to be able to deal with them other than running away from them and sweeping them under the carpet or by dealing with our emotional pain by turning to drugs, sex, alcohol and pornography which eventually takes us down the road to a deeper depression. Unfortunately, there are times when this can lead to suicidal thoughts and at times actual suicide. I realized when we have a physical pain, we are quick to run to the medicine cabinet, and perhaps take an aspirin, if it continues, we’ll go to the doctor to get a full examination, but when it comes to emotional pain, we don’t think about going to a therapist. Just like a migraine without an aspirin, eventually that pain will get worse and turn into something even more difficult to get rid of. I currently work as a Mental Health Counselor. I started my career as a School Counselor. I had worked many years as a school counselor and thought,” I’m sure I can retire here,” little did I know God had more in store for me. He blessed me to enter the Mental Health Counseling arena where I thought I never wanted to work, especially dealing with adults? Why? Because they have too many problems. As I entered this field, I realized God has given me the gift to counsel. I am blessed to say I honestly love doing what I do, and most importantly I enjoy seeing people become better no matter what they are facing. Just as I want to see people from all walks of life become better so does Jesus Christ. I recently began my private practice called Thomas & Associates Counseling & Consulting. My major goal is to help bring the church and the mental health counseling arena together. I mention this because I notice many Pastors and leaders of the church don’t feel like mental health counseling is for them and if they are saying it’s not for them, often the congregation will follow. I never want anyone to feel the way I did as a teen, not knowing how to cope with the loss of my aunt and uncle, however, if seeing a therapist becomes as natural as seeing a doctor for pain then I believe we will begin making major strides. As a therapist it troubles me when I inform Pastors that I am a Mental Health Counselor and would like to come and speak to their congregation how quickly I am ignored or turned away as an outsider, however, even though members are reading their bibles praying and fasting, it never hurts to have therapy. I do believe God has placed therapist here to help us 31
deal with our emotional pain just like he placed doctors here to deal with our physical pain. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world due to the sin of Adam eating the forbidden fruit we will all have to suffer both emotional and physical pain in this world. As a therapist I don’t speak to my clients in public unless they speak to me first as I will always respect and honor their confidentiality, however, I am honored when they come up to me and I may be with my family, and they will say how I helped them. As always, I give God the glory for their progress and for achieving their goals. I worked previously for another excellent private practice before being blessed to start my own practice. I appreciate having my own because it is a unique practice, which is a Faith Based ChristCentered private practice. My faith and belief in Jesus Christ are important to me. It is a blessing to not have to be ashamed nor have to silence the name of Jesus. We work with both Christian and nonChristian clients, we let new clients know we will open each session with a word of prayer. Our clients get an extra bonus as we continue praying for our clients on a regular basis. As a faith-based company, we understand we were created spirit soul and body, many people will go to a therapist and deal with their surface level issues. A good therapist will help them deal with those concerns so they will be able to move on and feel better. Our company is concerned about the whole person, and help everyone realize, no matter what they are going through, Jesus is the total and final answer to whatever issue you may face through life. Below is who we are: Thomas and Associates is a faithbased, Christ-centered Counseling Agency. We take a holistic therapy approach which incorporates emotional, physical, spiritual and mental well-being. We are in a very diverse and multi-cultured environment in the heartland of Iowa. One of our goals is to help individuals discover and understand their God given purpose in life, discovering and using their talents and gifts to be a positive influence, impacting the world around them, and obtaining to the fullness of being the individual they were created to be, and allowing everyone to connect to their spiritual nature. (Luke 1:18, Jeremiah 29:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:23) In addition to using biblical principles, we take a SolutionFocused therapy approach to help each client achieve their desired goals. Our Mission: To bring clarity and understanding when we are challenged with inward struggles as well as external encounters, current issues, concerns and how they impact us as individuals and collectively as a society. We also work with businesses by providing Conflict Resolution Training in the workplace, allowing both the employer and employee to implement a sound business model with sound ethical decision making, which allows for greater productivity and increased contentment in the workplace as well as increased customer satisfaction. If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about Thomas & Associates or book a speaking engagement, please feel free to visit our website at Thomasacc.com, or send an email to caleb@thomasacc.com or call us at 319 206-0651. Caleb Thomas
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/
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 ww.madeeasley.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 35
Angela Jackson’s Bio Debra Carr 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. 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’s Bio 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. C O NTRIB UT O RS 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. Marc Supreme’s 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
Terence G. Haynes Bio Bert Moody Bio 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. 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. C O NTRIB UT O RS Donetta Austin Donnetta Austin is from the Midwest. Her accomplishments include graduating from Scott Eastern Iowa Community College as a Registered & Certified Dental Assistant. She has worked in healthcare for seventeen years. She also provides care for elderly as a certified nurse aide and currently attending DMACC as a Nursing student. Donnetta became an author of her book “Never Retire God” in 2017. This book can be purchased on Amazon. She enjoys writing inspirational books and articles. She feels this is apart of her life’s purpose. Her writing expresses the importance of living a life with no regrets, uplifting others, and making a significant impact by sharing her testimony. It is her life’s goal to make a difference in the lives of others. 37 Lori A. Young Bio 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.
Cleophus “Cleo” Franklin Jr.’s Bio Cleophus “Cleo” Franklin Jr.’s leadership expertise is globally recognized. His passion for designing robust business growth, brand strategies, and implementing innovative, disruptive business models have benefited many global businesses and industries. Franklin’s values and beliefs are centered on approaching difficult challenges with curiosity and a beginner’s mindset. He is a purpose-driven leader who embraces servant leadership and investing in the personal and professional development of the next generation of leaders. His leadership career spans over thirty years with John Deere, Case-New Holland, and Mahindra as a global executive. Franklin is a published author. His global leadership book Coffee with Cleo (coffeewithcleo.com) was launched in June 2020. His book highlights ten leadership lessons from his global business executive career. Through artful and engaging storytelling, it showcases how one can navigate challenges successfully in our ever-changing, fastpaced, and complex business world by using an innovative entrepreneurship mindset and proven framework to improve your livelihood, but more importantly, your life. Courageous Bio Negus Sankofa Imhotep’s Bio Courageous exited a 13-year intimate partner relationship because she discovered it was steeped in multiple abuses, including psychological, sexual, and spiritual. This experience made her not only want to learn how and why it happened to her, but how she and other Black sisters could avoid it in the future. Her gift of converting personal life experiences into educational currency is well proven; however, this time she believes it has led her to develop what may be the most important work in her 9 years of curriculum design and delivery - Empowerment through the Arts™. Black trauma-informed therapists recommend it and Black female focus group participants are finding the program’s gains to be sustainable. Courageous has begun the work in the community that interacts with the Black female survivor as well, bringing tools that allow them to see the Black female victimsurvivor’s needs and address them appropriately in her Awareness Education, Survivor Empowerment, and Community Support Training. She is thrilled to bring the work of Courageous Fire, LLC to the pages of the Urban Experience Magazine to keep growing the numbers of Black sisters that get the help they need. Stay Connected to Courageous: Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter C O NTRIB UT O RS 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.
It's important to take the time to acknowledge the uniqueness of the deceased: the individuality of their personality, and the uniqueness of their life's path. Not just for them, but for you; it affirms the relationship, and leads to healing after loss. Honoring their life is truly an act of love – for the both of you. “WE’RE FAMILY” PHONE: (515) 309-6550 3500 SIXTH AVENUE DES MOINES, IA 50313 HENDERSONSHP.COM 39
Calling for Submissions The Urban Experience Magazine
CARING FOR YOUR LOVED ONES Offering specialized care for older adults Providing care for: • Memory loss • Psychological & social concerns • Frequent falls • Wandering • Depression • Unexplained weight loss • Decline or lack of independent functioning • Osteoporosis GERIATRIC & MEMORY CENTER Schedule an appointment today: (515) 282-5700 1761 Hickman Road • Des Moines, IA www.broadlawns.org
1 Publizr