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Iowa Brown and Black Forums of America cancels Jan. 13 Presidential forum

A “low number of committed participants” has led to the cancellation of the Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum on Jan. 13, in Des Moines.

Founders Wayne Ford and Mary Campos of the Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum. Vice News won an Emmy in 2021 for “Outstanding Graphic Design and Art Direction” for its work at the 2020 Brown and Black Presidential Forum. Photo by Black Iowa News.

Read the full statement: “Cancellation of the Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum (Republican Candidate-Based Event) The Brown & Black Forums of America has made the decision not to host the previously scheduled Iowa Brown & Black presidential forum for Republican candidates. This event was initially set for January 13, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (in Des Moines.) This decision comes in light of the low number of committed participants, which unfortunately does not allow us to create the impactful and comprehensive forum we had envisioned. While we are disappointed to cancel this particular event, our commitment to amplifying the voices of all communities, especially those of color, remains stronger than ever. We are dedicated to ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of all Americans are heard and addressed during every election season. In line with this commitment, we are actively collaborating with a variety of partners to ensure that the Brown & Black Forums of America will continue to have a significant impact both digitally and through media collaborations throughout the crucial election cycle of 2024. Our aim is to foster a platform that not only resonates with our audience but also shapes the national dialogue on pivotal issues affecting our communities. We are excited about the innovative projects and partnerships we have in the pipeline for 2024. These initiatives promise to bring forth insightful discussions, engaging content, and a broadened reach, furthering our mission to elevate crucial conversations in our society.”

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“We thank our supporters, partners, and the community for their understanding and continuous support as we navigate through these changes and look forward to a dynamic and impactful 2024,” the statement read.

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Author

Dana James is an award-winning writer who founded Black Iowa News in 2020 and the Black Iowa Newspaper in 2023. Born and raised in Des Moines, Dana tells stories that center Black Iowans’ lived experiences and amplify their voices. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Grand View University. She serves as secretary of the Iowa Association of Black Journalists.