Black History

The Second Evolution of Black History Month: A Call to Reclaim, Redefine and Expand Our Legacy

It is February 2025, and Black History Month returns as it has every February since being officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976 — or so popular narratives would […]

Latest in Black History
Ray and Heidi Bagg
Negro Leagues baseball, Italian food — experience both at Christopher’s in Des Moines

Check out a surprising exhibit at Christopher's Italian Restaurant in Beaverdale, featuring the Negro Baseball Leagues.

LuLu Merle Johnson
Trailblazer: LuLu Merle Johnson achieved greatness, fought Jim Crow in Iowa

LuLu Merle Johnson is an Iowa trailblazer you need to know. Johnson county is named after the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D in Iowa.

Iowa Civil Rights History podcast host Erick Nganyange
‘Ordinary people’ who changed the course of history featured on Iowa Civil Rights History podcast

Erick Nganyange's love of history shines in the Iowa Civil Rights History podcast. Check it out on Spotify.

Black Iowa farmers to gather for inaugural Iowa Farmers of Color Conference

A Black Iowa farmer is the driving force behind the Iowa Farmers of Color Conference that will be held on Dec. 16, in Des Moines.

West Des Moines' Black History Month celebration
City of West Des Moines salutes Blacks in armed forces on last day of Black History Month

Black History Month might technically be over — and Black history might be under assault — but we celebrate it every day of the year.

‘Black stories matter, Black history matters’ say lawmakers during Black History Month celebration at Iowa Capitol

Black Iowa Lawmakers celebrated Black History Month this week at the Iowa Capitol.

Happy Black History Month

Black History Month kicked off on Feb. 1. How will you celebrate the month? What will you read, learn or do?

Juneteenth celebrations skyrocket in Iowa

Where to celebrate Juneteenth in Iowa: Several communities across the state will hold Juneteenth celebrations for the first time.

Black state leader: 'Dear Black Iowans, you've got more to be proud of with your legacy of Black history than most Black people'

Black Iowans discuss the importance of teaching Black History, voting rights and more during Black History Month.