Black History Month program draws crowd at the Iowa Statehouse

Black voices, Black pride, Black history.

Black Iowans gathered at the Iowa Capitol on Thursday afternoon to celebrate Black History Month. The annual program was hosted by the Iowa Legislative Black & Brown Caucus and sponsored by Wells Fargo.

The theme of this year’s event was Policy to Power: From Advocacy to Action. The keynote speaker was Boise Kimber, president of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. Claudine Cheatem served as mistress of ceremonies. Pastor Jonathan Whitfield of Corinthian Baptist Church gave the opening prayer.

Legislators celebrated the legacy of retiring State Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines, who has served in her role since 2011. Gaines also founded the caucus.

Performers included spoken word by Sabur Muhammad, the Lincoln Voices Gospel Choir and Theresa Whitfield, who sang the National Black Anthem and the National Anthem.

• The Iowa Legislative Black Caucus & Brown Caucus includes:
• State Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines, District 33
• State Rep. Ross Wilburn, District 46
• State Rep. Rob Johnson, District 34
• State Rep. Mary Madison, District 31
• State Rep. Angel Ramirez, District 78
• State Rep. Megan Srinivas, District 30
• State Rep. Jerome Amos, District 62
• Senator Renee Hardman, District 16
• Senator Izaah Knox, District 17

Gov. Kim Reynolds also read a proclamation.

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