African American Museum of Iowa honors statewide leaders in annual event

The African American Museum of Iowa will host its annual History Makers event at 5 p.m on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

According to a press release, a History Maker “is an individual who, by their actions, modifies the course of history; imparting knowledge and impacting the communities in which we live.” Characteristics of a history maker include:

Honorees are African Americans who fit one or more of four characteristics: trailblazers who achieved a first or innovated in their field, change agents who made a lasting mark on their communities, legacy makers whose work lives beyond them, and role models whose character and accomplishments others can admire and emulate.

The event, emceed by Jennifar Bassett, is set to honor a list of History Makers who made a difference locally or statewide:

• State Sen. Renee Hardman, of West Des Moines, became the first Black woman to serve the Iowa Senate after winning a special election on December 2025.
• Retired Maj. Lillie Miller, of Des Moines, was promoted to police major in May 2022, becoming the first Black officer in the history of the state of Iowa to gain said title.
• Orville and Billie Townsend, of Iowa City, built careers in public service and education, respectively, and have served on dozens of local boards and commissions.
• Hannah Stuelke, of Iowa City, recorded 1,565 points, 910 rebounds, 229 assists, 113 steals and 49 blocks at the University of Iowa. She now plays for Serie A1 side Logiman Broni in Italy.
• Daniel Unemezie, of Cedar Falls, is the 2026 National Youth Poet Laureate and a multi-time national gold medalist in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. He was also named a Foyle Young Poet by the Poetry Society of the United Kingdom and a 2026 Presidential Scholar in the Arts nominee.

This event brings hundreds of statewide leaders and community members to celebrate the honorees and the overall impact that the museum made to teach, preserve and display African American heritage in Iowa. All funds from the event go towards the institution.

The event is made possible by sponsors including presenting sponsors Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust and Enterprise Holdings. A full list of sponsors and more information about each of the honorees if available on the event website.