In 1839 the first territorial government of Iowa past a series of laws that denied black residents citizenship rights like the right to vote, testify in court, act as jurors, or participate in the state militia. In addition to these restrictions, the legislature passed “An Act to Regulate Blacks and Mulattoes.” The act was intended […]
Join us on February 28 to round off our Black History Month celebrations with discounted access to the Museum! We will be offering $1 admissions and extended hours (10 AM to 7 PM), making this the perfect opportunity for families, students, and young professionals to explore our exhibits. This event will overlap with Cedar Rapids […]
An African American woman’s Sunday hat is her crowning glory—it announces to the world that here is a beautiful, sophisticated, confident person. But Sunday is just one day of the week, and her Sunday hat is just one of the many “hats” she wears. It takes an extraordinary woman to wear all of these hats—professional, […]
Iowa’s athletes have long impacted their teams, communities, and the sports they played, but African Americans did so while facing off against more than just the opposing team. They fought for the right to equal treatment on and off the field. Highlighting people such as Iowan and Olympian Thomas Hill, Drake University athlete Johnny Bright […]
“Searching for Freedom: African American Migration in Iowa, 1830-1900” will explore the history of black movement to and around Iowa during the 1800s, beginning with the arrival of the first African Americans in the 1830s and ending with the creation of one of Iowa’s only black majority communities at the turn of the century. We will […]
Join us in the mobilization of parents and community members by participating in this series* of community forums at the African American Museum of Iowa. Together we will identify obstacles and opportunities for parental and community involvement in the education process of our children. Help us create change for our children, tomorrow's leaders. This event […]
