Community Leader: Ken Morris Jr.

Ken Morris, Jr. chief diiversity officer, Ankeny schools.

• kmorrisjr@gmail.com
• LinkedIn/ken-morris-jr-cde.

Tell us about your work in the community:

I’m a member of the Ankeny Community Network (ACN) The mission of the ACN is to provide a supportive environment that centers multiculturalism and diversity through relationship building, civic engagement, community leadership and education. Through ACN we have led a number of culturally specific programs such as Juneteenth, Back in School Bash, Community Conversations, Sunday Dinners and several philanthropic efforts aimed at supporting families and students.

What motivates you to volunteer?

Growing up in Peoria, Illinois, I volunteered early through the Young People’s Department (YPD) at Ward Chapel AME Church. I sought out leadership and volunteer roles in college. I’m compelled to give meaningfully to every community I am a part of so I leave it better than what I found it.

What are some of the most pressing issues or challenges facing Black Iowans?

We continue to experience disparities in incarceration rates, health care, education, housing and wealth.

These issues; coupled with the recent efforts to suppress student agency as well as and move toward a mono-cultural one-size-fits-all education system will only further widen the gaps in some of the aforementioned categories.

What are some possible solutions to the problems experienced by Black Iowans?

This is a complex problem that will require even more complex and various solutions. I believe one possible solution lies in the new power discourse that is technology. Young and more seasoned adults have the potential to start out earning around $70-80K after attending a six-month technology bootcamp. Gaining a new skill such as this and earning a living wage can have a positive ripple effect on the disparities.