For the enslaved people in Missouri and Kansas before the Civil War, the path to freedom often ran through Iowa. The crisis of 1820 over how far slavery should be allowed to expand in the territories of the United States acquired in the Louisiana Purchase had set the northern limit for slavery at the border […]
Black History Month
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Black creatives reframe Black stories in Des Moines speaker series at Mainframe Studios
Mainframe Studios and Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) have teamed up for a four-part speaker series during Black History Month called Reframing Racial Injustice in Creative Communities. They are halfway through the series, and the next speaker — educator, advocate and polymath Abena S. Imhotep — will present on Sunday, Feb. 20 at Mainframe […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Celebrate Black History Month in the CRANDIC
Happy February, readers! It’s time to begin celebrating Black History Month in the CRANDIC. Throughout the month, you’ll find numerous events to take part in as we celebrate Black culture and the achievements and legacies of Black Americans. Editor’s Pick: Visiting Writer: Danez Smith, Mt. Mercy University, Cedar Rapids, Monday, Feb. 21, Free In celebration […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Coast Guard to honor Hawkeye football great Emlen Tunnell for his bravery in WWII
Emlen Tunnell made history on the football field — first as a Hawkeye, then in the NFL — and continued do so after his playing days ended in 1961. In 1965, he became the first Black assistant coach in the NFL, and in 1967, Tunnell was the first Black player inducted into Pro Football Hall […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Two houses represent a forgotten period of segregation in Iowa City, University of Iowa history
The houses at 942 Iowa Ave and 914 S Dubuque St in Iowa City may seem nondescript — just another couple of old, off-campus rental properties for college students — save for the rust-brown metal signs out front. These signs, funded by a grant from the National Park Service, detail the background of the Iowa Federation Home and Tate Arms house, which have had quiet but important roles in the history of Iowa City and the University of Iowa.
Posted inCommunity/News
Keeping the faith: Iowa City’s Bethel AME Church celebrates 150 years
In a city with few remaining historic buildings and a population constantly in flux, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a rarity. Bethel, Iowa City’s only historically black church, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The church still stands on the same Governor Street lot its founders bought for $50 in 1868, just three years after the end of the Civil War.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Exhibit makes ‘Invisible Hawkeyes’ visible
Dora Martin made history at the University of Iowa in 1955, and university officials pretended it didn’t happen. Martin, an African American undergraduate, was elected “Miss SUI” by her fellow students.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
A short-film festival at the Iowa City Public Library will highlight black musicians and leaders
The library’s Storytime Room will host a mini black history film festival Saturday starting at 11:30 a.m., geared towards the whole family (and with popcorn for all). Black musicians are at the center of many of the featured films.
Posted inCommunity/News
‘Invisible Hawkeyes’ uncovers rich history of UI African American students
Black history at the University of Iowa is deep, rich — and largely still unknown. That’s the message of Lena and Michael Hill, who will speak at the League of Women Voters‘ Sunday Speaker series about their book Invisible Hawkeyes, a collection of essays. The couple, both University of Iowa professors, will talk about the […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Black History Month events finish out February
February may be half over, but a series of Black History Month events continue in Iowa City, running the gamut from culinary celebration to educational performances and mobile healthcare. This Friday, Feb. 19, City High (1900 Morningside Dr.) will host a soul food dinner with traditional southern foods from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. During the meal, […]
