Who is a History Maker?
A History Maker is an individual who, by their actions, modifies the course of history, imparting knowledge and impacting the communities in which we live. Through their existence and influence, history is forever changed. Characteristics of a History Maker include the following:
- Trailblazer: An African American who initiated a first or showed innovation in their field and was instrumental in developing or enhancing a process that positively impacted the lives of Iowans.
- Change Agent: An African American who has made an indelible mark on their community and who has changed the lives of people in their area forever.
- Legacy Maker: An African American who has created a legacy or accomplished something that lives beyond them, or contributed to a legacy by passionately continuing an effort or participating in a movement.
- Role Model: An African American who is an outstanding role model and someone whose character and accomplishments all people, regardless of race, age, or gender, can admire and emulate.
2023 History Makers





2023 Sponsors
Silver
City of Iowa City | GreenState Credit Union | University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art
Bronze
Bankers Trust | Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission | Collins Aerospace | Country Financial | Eastern Iowa Airport | Kirkwood Community College | Mt. Mercy University | Solum Lang Architects | TrueNorth Companies | University of Iowa College of Nursing | University of Iowa Tippie College of Business | Dwayne & Karesha Williams
Tables
The Academy for Scholastic and Personal Success | Sam and Linda Black | Cedar Rapids Community School District | Cedar Rapids NAACP | Cedar Rapids Police Department | Children of Promise Mentoring Program | City of Cedar Rapids | City of Marion/Civil Rights Commission | Collins Aerospace BXN | Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church | Iowa Conservation & Preservation Consortium | Mt. Mercy University | Kenneth & Deborah Reed | Transamerica | University of Iowa Office of DEI | University of Iowa Libraries
If you are interested in becoming a History Maker sponsor, contact us directly at lcassell@blackiowa.org