Black Iowa News is an independent news platform designed to highlight Black perspectives, showcase the Black community and amplify the voices of Black Iowans. Its platforms include a robust website, growing email newsletter and upcoming Black newspaper. Support local journalism.
I founded Black Iowa News because I was tired of watching news outlets do a poor job of telling Black stories during the coronavirus pandemic and fail to tell us how the pandemic truly affected our communities. My mission: highlight Black perspectives, showcase the Black community and amplify Black voices. I have focused on sharing important stories, finding and quoting Black sources and experts and developing ways for Black people to connect — on social media, the web, email and soon a Black newspaper.
Iowa is changing before our eyes. We must unite and fight the erasure of our history, voter suppression and the racial inequities challenging our ability to make progress. Black Iowa News is committed to informing and uplifting our community through our free email newsletter delivered twice weekly to thousands of subscribers and our growing website which beautifully displays our stories. Our focus continues to be the creation of free-to-read, accessible and high quality journalism that prioritizes Black Iowans.
Dana James
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Dana James is an award-winning writer, former Des Moines Register reporter. Born and raised in Des Moines, Dana tells stories that center the lived experiences of Black Iowans and amplifies their voices. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Grand View University.
