×‰?4×B!Ü ×‘C’×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://8nvpxw734ReWkqcfpRvZRJMdf3M7W7u3ZPgDCA6ypa4Î ²‰Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://WOfjNaWtIDij0rBhVBwep8e7S0Brf4oBR7mH9EIj4S4ÍqóÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://0r7daYOPgUArYCLPNLYd9dVhGa8qIhkQtemVCdwwILsÍ*Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://iktg6LZo_3XINYv947XrYAj9Tpki1u_YghQ-lkPJ1ysÎ  îÍÄÍ ÍèÍñ×`„h'7•<ûè<¶×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×ˆœ×   CNSvu  ×ˆE×`„h'7•<ûè<1×‰EÚSEUN ADEDJI
YOUNGEST BLACK
CANNABIS CEO
by Demarcus Hamilton
Inside
Sexual Assault
Awareness Month
Alocholic Awareness
Month
Arts & Music
Artist Feature:
MARIA MAGDALENA
CAMPOS-PONS
Schedule of the
Class of 2021
Commencements at
DMPS
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 1
April 2021 ISSUE
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://0r7daYOPgUArYCLPNLYd9dVhGa8qIhkQtemVCdwwILsÍ*Í`ÌµÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<2×`„h'7•<ûè<1ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://urDembXMQbBArCysQLGz8sVQwjkZHjAC4rTRMoYnwH4Î ò|Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://hApvcFiaWdCAMrA6OA9GJ0MeoynVwapZIRrpIm95hO8Íí\Í`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://EhCAC8mT74vhBnVs4I62cbJQF5RJo3PVOkLAgynBI8cÍQuÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://MsZYMJYfxQxDpc8mYjzrI-z-tr4oRrp9MJhKFyj308QÎ ;¿Ì´Í Í	ÑÍñ×`„h'7•<ûè<¹”× ×`„h'7•<ûè<¿ Í“ÍGÍ9×HÚ  mailto:contactdsmurban@gmail.com××Ðˆ× ×`„h'7•<ûè<¾ ÍîÍÜo9×H³http://dsmurban.org××Ðˆ× ×`„h'7•<ûè<½ ÍZÍGÍ	9×H½mailto:dsmurbannews@gmail.com××Ðˆ× ×`„h'7•<ûè<¼ &ÍGÌû9×H½mailto:joindsmurban@gmail.com××Ðˆ×‰EÚ´WRITERS & STAFF
Editor-In-Chief
Dwana Bradley
Contributors
Copy Editor
Virgina Smith
Creative Director
Ash Easley
Donnetta Austin
Debra Carr
Terence Haynes
Angela Jackson
Celeste Lawson
Gary Lawson
Bert Moody
Lori Young
DeMarcus Hamilton
MAGAZINE OUTLETS
Broadlawns
1801 Hickman Road, Des
Moines, IA 50314
CareMore
1530 East Euclid, Des Moines,
Iowa 50313
Central Library
1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines,
IA 50309
DMACC Urban
Campus
1100 7th Street, Des Moines, IA
50314
DSM Brew Coffee Co.
300 Martin Luther King Jr.
Pkwy, Suite 140, Des Moines,
Iowa 50309
Drake Diner
1111 25th Street, Des Moines, IA
50311
Eastside Library
2559 Hubbell Ave. Des Moines,
Iowa 50317
Evelyn Davis Center
801 Suite #3, University Ave,
Des Moines IA 50314
Fields Pharmacy
501 University Ave. Des Moines,
IA 50314
Iowa-Nebraska
NAACP
1620 Pleseant Suite #210, Des
Moines, IA 50314
Forest Library
1326 Forest Ave, Des Moines,
IA 50314
Franklin Library
5000 Franklin Ave. Des Moines,
Iowa 50310
Hy-Vee
3330 Martin Luther King Jr.
Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50310
John R. Grubb YMCA
11th Street, Des Moines, Iowa
50314
Johnston Library
6700 Merle Hay Rd. Johnston,
Iowa 50131
Join our email club at:
joindsmurban@gmail.com
Northside Library
3516 5th Ave. Des Moines, Iowa
50313
Mr. Bibbs
2705 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA
50313
Senior Polk County
2008 Forest Ave, Des Moines
IA 50314
Smokey Row Coffee
Co.
1910 Cottage Grove, Des
Moines, Iowa 50314
Southside Library
1111 Porter Ave. Des Moines,
Iowa 50315
The Great Frame Up
5515 Mills Civic Parkway Suite
#150, West Des Moines, IA
50266
The Des Moines Civil
and Human Rights
602 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des
Moines IA 50309
Submit your news to:
dsmurbannews@gmail.com
COVID-19
The Urban Dreams
601 Forest Avenue, Des
Moines, Iowa 50314
Traditions Grooming
Parlor
1111 E. Army Post Road Ste. 154
Urbandale Public
Library
3520 86th Street, Urbandale,
IA 50322
Urbandale Chamber
of Commerce
2830 100th Street, Suite 110,
Urbandale, IA 50322
West Des Moines
Library
4000 Mills Clive Pkwy, West
Des Moines, Iowa 50365
The Zone of Comfort
3829 71st Street, Suite B,
Urbandale, IA 50322
Also Available at churches,
our directory can be
found on our website at
dsmurban.org
Become a Outlet for Urban:
contactdsmurban@gmail.com
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://EhCAC8mT74vhBnVs4I62cbJQF5RJo3PVOkLAgynBI8cÍQuÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<3×‰EÚÅFeatures
09
15
17
Eastâ€™s Arina Tembo:
Boys and Girls Club
Youth of the Year
Artist of the
Month
22
26
Godâ€™s Timing
Donâ€™t Shoot
New Alzheimerâ€™s
Association
Report Examines
Racial and
Ethnic Attitudes
on Alzheimerâ€™s
and Dementia
Carea
31
34
37
Alcohol Awareness:
There is hope and
helpâ€¦
Drake Universityâ€™s
John Dee Bright
College Name senior
ambassadors
SEUN ADEDJI
YOUNGEST BLACK
CANNABIS CEO
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 3
Whatâ€™s
Inside?
×`„h'7•<ûè<4×`„h'7•<ûè<3ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://QhHr8KrLKFygiS_jV3_zXup4HyDdl9PrcJPiC_Ogd0gÎ !³Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://w7U4Vc-bKtdDMglRBho3mVOED374Z359DTUAj799QRsÍÔÝÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://rQSuzI-OWeDjXChq3yGdgJCD8MQvSKB2YyMrtIqR59sÍ>yÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://gma55i6po-y2yvdRZkBP0Z5qqcl6UKHh-c5W-IMQdr0Î |pÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h'7•<ûè<À’× ×`„h'7•<ûè<Ä Í÷ÌîÍq9×H¿http://WWW.ASSULTCARECENTER.ORG××Ðˆ× ×`„h'7•<ûè<Ã ÍÌí9×H·http://www.iowacasa.org××Ðˆ×‰E×‰	Ú 7cassandra://rQSuzI-OWeDjXChq3yGdgJCD8MQvSKB2YyMrtIqR59sÍ>yÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<5×‰EÚ	$THIS MONTH IS
SEXUAL ASSAULT
AWARENESS MONTH
Places In the state of
Iowa to get help
www.iowacasa.org
WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE?
WWW.ASSULTCARECENTER.ORG
Sexual abuse comes in many forms, and different definitions
are used for legal vs. personal understanding.
The Iowa Code section 709.1 defines sexual abuse as a sex
act is â€œdone by force or against the will of the otherâ€. The term
â€œagainst the willâ€ includes various definitions including the
inability to give consent when incapacitated, under threat, or as
a child.
Rape is forced sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, or
oral penetration.
Sexual assault is unwanted sexual contact that stops short of
rape or attempted rape. This includes fondling.
Sexual Misconduct is any non-consensual behavior of a
sexual nature that is committed by force, intimidation, or is
otherwise unwelcome. The term includes sexual assault, sexual
exploitation, sexual intimidation, and sexual harassment
Sexual intimacy requires that all participants consent to the
activity. Consent between two or more people is defined as
an affirmative agreement--through clear actions or words--to
engage in sexual activity. The person giving the consent must
act freely, voluntarily, and with an understanding of his or her
actions when giving the consent. No matter what definition
applies, if an individual feel that her/his sexual boundaries were
violated, ACCESS is here to help with services tailored to a
victimâ€™s individual experience and needs.
Culturally Specific
Programs
Amani Community
Services
Cedar Rapids office: (319) 804-0742
Davenport office: (319) 504-9073
Waterloo office: (319) 232-5660
Crisis line: (888) 983-2533
Go to website
This program serves survivors and
victims of sexual assault and domestic
violence in the African American
communities in Cedar Rapids,
Davenport, and Waterloo.
Latinas Unidas Por Un
Nuevo Amanecer (LUNA)
Office line / Linea de oficina: (515)
271-5060
24-hour helpline / LÃ­nea de crisis
las 24 horas: (866) 256-7668
Go to website
This program serves survivors
and victims of sexual assault and
domestic violence in the Latino /
Latinx communities throughout
Iowa. Este centro de crisis brinda
asesoramiento, apoyo y recursos
gratuitos y confidenciales a los
sobrevivientes latinos de violencia
domestica y agresin sexual.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 5
×`„h'7•<ûè<6×`„h'7•<ûè<5ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://LpzOLi8noIrGeqVz5HsL_WAWQfwelm4p_cCoQKL9YwoÎ f¹Í` ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://SNulhS_Dbw_dI6EvyAizWUHIY-BvIovZG-7nyWHfqlsÍíëÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://rgAQJ7RcOutUvW0ziQ23cZ3tU_1axCzGa4dQwS_qUo4ÍC˜Í`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://iFGuK-iTvpdJhD-0zvLAJA3VHpM0ESXGojtFEew3hQoÍxôÌÄÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h'7•<ûè<Å‘× ×`„h'7•<ûè<È ÌžÍÖÍ9×HÚ #mailto:help@thrivetogethertoday.org××Ðˆ×‰EÚqResources for Indigenous Survivors
& Empowerment (RISE)
Office line: (641) 484-2103
24-hour helpline: (855) 840-7362
Go to website
This program serves survivors and victims of
sexual assault and domestic violence in the
Native and Meskwaki communities in Iowa.
Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders
in Solidarity
Office line: (515) 288-0881
24-hour helpline: (866) 881-4641
Go to website
This program serves survivors and victims of
sexual assault and domestic violence in Asian and
Pacific Islander (API) communities throughout
Iowa.
Nisaa African Family Services
Des Moines office: (515) 255-5430
Iowa City office: (319) 338-7617
Go to website
This program serves survivors and victims of
sexual assault and domestic violence in African
Immigrant and Refugee communities throughout
Iowa.
Thrive Together (formerly Deaf
Iowans Against Abuse)
VP/P: (319) 531-7719
24/7 text only line: (515) 661-4015
Email: help@thrivetogethertoday.org
Go to website
This program serves survivors and victims of
sexual assault and domestic violence in the Deaf
and Hard of Hearing communities throughout
Iowa.
Northwest Iowa
Centers Against Abuse & Sexual
Assault (CAASA)
Office line: (712) 262-4612
24-hour helpline: (877) 362-4612
Go to website
Services: Sexual Assault
Counties served: Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll,
Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet,
Ida, Lyon, Monona, Oâ€ºBrien, Osceola, Palo
Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, and
Woodbury.
SafePlace
Office line: (712) 258-7233
24-hour helpline: (712) 258-7233
Go to website
Services: Domestic Violence, Shelter
Counties served: Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll,
Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet,
Ida, Lyon, Monona, Oâ€ºBrien, Osceola, Palo
Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, and
Woodbury.
North Central Iowa
Assault Care Center Extending
Shelter & Support (ACCESS)
Office line: (515) 292-0505
24-hour helpline: (800) 203-3488
Go to website
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://rgAQJ7RcOutUvW0ziQ23cZ3tU_1axCzGa4dQwS_qUo4ÍC˜Í`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<7×‰EÚâServices: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault,
Homicide and Other Violent Crimes
Counties served: Boone, Greene, Marshall,
Story, and Tama.
Crisis Intervention Service (CIS)
Office line: (641) 423-0490
24-hour helpline: (800) 479-9071
Go to website
Services: Domestic Violence, Homicide and
Other
Violent Crimes, Sexual Assault
Counties served: Butler, Cerro Gordo,
Chickasaw, Floyd, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton,
Hancock, Hardin, Humboldt, Kossuth, Mitchell,
Webster, Winnebago, Worth, and Wright.
Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach
Center (DSAOC)
Office line: (515) 955-2273
24-hour helpline: (888) 356-2006
Go to website
Services: Domestic Violence, Homicide and
Other Violent Crimes, Shelter
Counties served: Boone, Butler, Cerro Gordo,
Franklin, Floyd, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton,
Hancock, Hardin, Humboldt, Kossuth, Marshall,
Mitchell, Story, Tama, Webster, Winnebago,
Worth, and Wright.
Northeast Iowa
Friends of the Family
Office line: (319) 352-1108
24-hour helpline: (800) 410-7233
Go to website
Services: Domestic Violence, Human
Trafficking, Shelter
Counties served: Allamakee, Bremer, Benton,
Buchanan, Black Hawk, Chickasaw, Clayton,
Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Howard, Jones,
Linn, and Winneshiek.
Riverview Center
Office line: (563) 557-0310
24-hour helpline: (888) 557-0310
Go to website
Services: Sexual Assault
Counties served: Allamakee, Benton, Black
Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Clayton,
Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Howard, Jones,
Linn, and Winneshiek.
Southwest Iowa
Catholic Charities Domestic
Violence
& Sexual Assault Program
Office line: (712) 256-2059
24-hour helpline: (888) 612-0266
Go to website
Services: Domestic Violence, Human
Trafficking, Sexual Assault, Shelter
Counties served: Adair, Adams, Audubon,
Cass, Clarke, Dallas, Decatur, Fremont, Guthrie,
Harrison, Madison, Mills, Montgomery, Page,
Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Shelby, Taylor, and
Union.
Crisis Intervention & Advocacy
Center (CIAC)
Office line: (515) 993-4095
24-hour helpline: (800) 550-0004
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 7
×`„h'7•<ûè<8×`„h'7•<ûè<7ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Qo1ibR_KkN-HuBjOwC4X0SCvU1KHsR71_7diA7ht4mAÎ Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://7rBRE8A8JCfDs85Zz2AuAgOWGUZPKKwLisQ0ypYeQNQÍâûÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://IijnRuYqyCYjpsVtFqfjyHJ2gEbSEaUmufT-QITPJoEÍK'Í`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Vdk_KS9auU34CdfqD6PR0_r9jD3zN1uqFQmqF133IzIÎ 	Í”zÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h(7•<ûè<É×‰E×‰	Ú 7cassandra://IijnRuYqyCYjpsVtFqfjyHJ2gEbSEaUmufT-QITPJoEÍK'Í`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<9×‰EÚ ©THE GREAT FRAME UP
SUPPORTS CUBAN ARTISTS
OF AFRICAN & ASIAN
DESCENT
ARTIST FEATURE:
MARIA MAGDALENA CAMPOS-PONS
Written by Angela Jackson
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 9
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enjoys supporting the visual arts. This month we introduce readers to Cuban visual artist, Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons.
â€œ
My work in Cuba looked at
issues of sexuality, womenâ€™s
place in society, and the
representation of women in the
history of art.â€ She â€œrenders
elements of personal history
and persona that have universal
relevance...My subjects are my
Afro-Cuban relatives as well as
myself...The salient tie to familiar
and cultural history vastly
expands for me the range of
photographic possibilities.â€
-Maria Magdalena CamposPons
MarÃ­a Magdalena Campos-Pons (born July 22,
1959) is a Cuban-born artist based in Nashville,
Tennessee. Campos-Pons works primarily in
photography, performance, audiovisual media,
and sculpture. She is considered a â€œkey figureâ€
among Cuban artists who found their voice in
a post-revolutionary Cuba. Her art deals with
themes of Cuban culture, gender and sexuality,
multicultural identity.
Early life and education
Campos-Pons was born in Matanzas, Cuba,
in 1959 and grew up in a sugar plantation
town called La Vega in Cuba. Her paternal
great-grandparents were Yoruba. She also has
Chinese and Hispanic heritage. Her African
ancestors, who were brought over by sugar
plantation owners in the late 19th century,
passed-down traditions from Africa that
influenced and became part of Campos-Ponsâ€™s
art. The African side of her family worked as
slaves on sugar plantations and as domestic
servants. The Chinese side of her family
worked as indentured servants in sugar mills.
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://-fJ6xHF_07OLdb7ObMfMWQ1st7jP_qoEyKkjlTQ0bbkÍVØÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<b×‰EÚæWhen she was young, Campos relates that
during a trip to the National Cuban Museum of
Fine Art, she distinctly felt that black Cubans
were conspicuously missing from the art. She
did not feel as though black Cubans were
equally represented.
Campos-Pons has described much of her art
education as very traditional, rooted in drawing
and sculpture. She trained at the Escuela
National de Arte in Havana between 1976
and 1979. From 1980 to 1989, she attended
Havanaâ€™s Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA).
The ISA allowed students to be exposed to
international artistic movements and develop art
that drew from Cubaâ€™s unique â€œmixed traditions
and cultures.â€ Her ISA painting professor
Antonio Vidal, a Cuban abstractionist, had a
lasting impact on her work as a painter and
she presented his work, along with her work
with Neil Leonard at documenta 14 in Kassel,
Germany.
Campos-Pons conducted her post graduate
studies at Massachusetts College of Art and
Design in 1988. While there, she created
her first film that was scored by composer,
saxophonist, Neil Leonard, whom she married
in 1989. Before moving to Boston in 1991 to live
with Leonard, she took a fellowship in Banff,
Alberta. Since 2017, she has lived in Nashville,
Tennessee.
Career
Between 1986 and 1989 Campos-Pons was
professor of Painting and Aesthetic at the
Instituto Superior de Arte. She started exhibiting
internationally in 1984. In the late 1980s, her
artwork gained â€œinternational recognitionâ€ with
her abstract paintings dealing with female
sexuality. Her work coincides with the rise of
the New Cuban Art movement. The New Cuban
Art movement began as a reaction against the
repressive aspects of the Cuban state and the
introduction of conceptual art. The movement
was less focused on technical skill and more
on creating an art that was genuinely Cuban.
A large part of this artistic movement was the
introduction of Afro-Cuban presence, both
as artists and within the art itself. Humor and
spirituality were major themes in New Cuban
Art. Her early work, often consisting of separate,
shaped canvases, suggested fragmentation
of the female self and referenced AfroCuban
myths. She also explored reproductive
rights and feminism through her art. Campos
Pons work often revolves around feminist
ideologies. Her work in Cuba focused on
feminist themes. Since there was not a larger
feminism movement in Cuba, it was only
through the expression of art through artists like
Campos-Pon and others that feminism was kept
in the spotlight and popular consciousness.
After 1994, there was a shift in Campos-Ponsâ€™s
work, and it became somewhat ethnographic.
â€œThis work is largely autobiographical and has
tended to examine her ancestorsâ€™ relationship
with slavery and the sugar industry. CamposPonâ€™s
work investigates â€œa felt history,â€ through
the intersection of â€œnon-spoken narrativesâ€
and â€œresilient cultureâ€. She started using largeformat
photographs which were often arranged
into diptychs, triptychs or other configurations.
These works are reminiscent of works by Lorna
Simpson and Carrie Mae Weems.
In the early 2000s, Campos-Pons returned
to elements of abstraction and minimalism
that were reminiscent of her early work, and
admittedly influenced by her Cuban professor
Antonio Vidal.
According to Campos-Ponsâ€™ artist statement,
her work â€œrenders elements of personal history
and persona that have universal relevance...
My subjects are my Afro-Cuban relatives as
well as myself...The salient tie to familiar and
cultural history vastly expands for me the range
of photographic possibilities.â€Campos-Pon is
interested in showing â€œcross-culturalâ€ and â€œcross
generationalâ€ themes dealing with race and
gender as â€œexpressed in symbols of matriarchy
and maternity.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 11
×`„h'7•<ûè<c×`„h'7•<ûè<bÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://NWj6WnwLa392szmqk5qUf0OWGu2UvDiTqOX0aIX_oQ0Î ~ðÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://LjnWoAnlZ7EdslJoyCRCFzGlujeEiJLJTMujwcO-AXoÎ ·Í`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Diu6hoxZuI5xXdaD4w2Aa3ZJ9NU4aKWUbZkXOMlqw_oÍLÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://a1JzyYUsKUQM_XKc2t0LHzEX5vycM_XLYXMjX_TJStQÎ ãZÍæÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h(7•<ûè=Ü !× ×`„h(7•<ûè<ô &Í_ÌÛ9×‰HÚ 2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_of_Modern_ArtG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<õ &Í|Ì›9×‰HÚ -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venice_BiennaleG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<ö zÍ˜Ì«9×‰HÚ 0https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_BiennialG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<÷ ÍVÍ˜@9×‰HÚ ,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakar_BiennaleG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<ø &Í´T9×‰HÚ ,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dakar_BiennaleG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<ù ÌòÍíÌÚ9×‰HÚ 5https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithsonian_InstitutionG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<ú IÍ	ÌÛ9×‰HÚ 6https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Institute_of_ChicagoG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<û ÍTÍ	V9×‰HÚ 8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Gallery_of_CanadaG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<ü &Í&Ì¯9×‰HÚ 8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Gallery_of_CanadaG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<ý ÍÍ&Ìµ9×‰HÚ 8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_and_Albert_MuseumG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<þ &ÍBS9×‰HÚ 8https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_and_Albert_MuseumG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè<ÿ Ì©ÍBÌÛ9×‰HÚ 2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_of_Modern_ArtG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè=  &Í^ÌÇ9×‰HÚ 9https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museum_of_Fine_Arts,_BostonG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= ÍÍ^Ì³9×‰HÚ .https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Art_MuseumG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= tÍ{Ì«9×‰HÚ 1https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvard_Art_MuseumsG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= ÍxÍ£f9×‰HÚ 3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanderbilt_UniversityG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= &Í¿_9×‰HÚ 3https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanderbilt_UniversityG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= Ì¢Í¿ÌÌ9×‰HÚ 2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nashville,_TennesseeG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= Í,ÌåÌÏ9×‰HÚ -http://www.westdesmoines.thegreatframeup.com/G××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= ÍþÍÌÎ9×‰HÚ -http://www.westdesmoines.thegreatframeup.com/G××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= ÍžÍÍ9×‰HÚ #http://www.facebook.com/tgfuwdmiowaG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè=	 ÍþÍ:Ís9×‰HÚ .https://www.instagram.com/thegreatframeup_wdm/G××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè=
 ÍþÍVÌÚ9×‰HÚ  http://www.pinterest.com/tgfuwdmG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= Í*ÍVÌ¿9×‰H»https://twitter.com/tgfuwdmG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= Í]ÍsÌÈ9×‰HÚ Khttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZXFxAkE5drRXIVCHdTLRiw?view_as=subscriberG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= ÍþÍÍÂ9×‰HÚ Khttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZXFxAkE5drRXIVCHdTLRiw?view_as=subscriberG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h)7•<ûè= ÍvÍËÍ)9×HÚ #http://desmoinesartcenter.org/LEARN××Ðˆ× ×`„h)7•<ûè= Í*Í_Ì¿9×Hºhttp://twitter.com/tgfuwdm××Ðˆ× ×`„h)7•<ûè= ÍþÍ_Ìà9×H¼http://pinterest.com/tgfuwdm××Ðˆ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= ÍþÍCÍy9×HÚ )http://instagram.com/thegreatframeup_wdm/××Ðˆ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= ÍžÍ&Í9×H¿http://facebook.com/tgfuwdmiowa××Ðˆ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= ÍþÍ
ÌÎ9×Hºhttp://thegreatframeup.com××Ðˆ× ×`„h(7•<ûè= Í_q~9×H´http://wikipedia.org××Ðˆ×‰EÚ˜â€œCampos-Pons says: â€œOf merging ideas,
merging of ethnicities, merging of traditions...
I am as much black, Cuban, woman, Chinese.
I am this tapestry of all of that, and the
responses to that could be very complicated
and could include even anguish and pain.â€
Other ideas that her work explores includes
exile, immigration, memory, and Cuba itself.
Her art has been shown in scores of solo and
group exhibitions, including solo shows at the
Museum of Modern Art in New York City; the
Venice Biennale; the Johannesburg Biennial;
the First Liverpool Biennial; the Dakar
Biennale in Senegal; and the Guangzhou
Triennial in China. Campos-Ponsâ€™s work is in
the collections of the Smithsonian Institution,
the Art Institute of Chicago, the National
Gallery of Canada, the Victoria and Albert
Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, The
Museum of Fine Arts, the Miami Art Museum
and the Fogg Art Museum.
Campos-Pons currently teaches at Vanderbilt
University in Nashville, Tennessee. In 2020,
and as a result of the nationwide social unrest,
she launched â€œEngine for Art, Democracy
and Justiceâ€, which is defined as a Vanderbilt
University â€œtrans-institutional series of virtual
conversations and artistic collaborations
focused on healing at a time of significant
social unrest.â€
In an article by Holland Cotter, he writes about
an exhibit where Campos-Pons was also
featured - â€œAmerican slavery â€” what it did,
what it is still doing â€” remains an incendiary
topic, as racial discrimination becomes
subtler, harder to pin down, played out along
lines of class and economics. The topic has
also gained importance with the developing
diaspora-consciousness of the last few
decades, embodied here in a photograph by
Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons of herself
and her mother, Cubans of African descent.
Although the two women stand apart, each
holds one end of a single long, knotted
strand of colored beads. It isnâ€™t a heavy,
binding chain; itâ€™s a connecting thread, linking
generations through a mutual history. That
history was cruel; the emotions it raises are
complicated and changing. But its reality,
revisited and rethought, can be a source of
power rather than depletion. Ms. CamposPons
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Diu6hoxZuI5xXdaD4w2Aa3ZJ9NU4aKWUbZkXOMlqw_oÍLÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<~×‰EÚ’Credits â€” The New York Times by Holland Cotter June
2006 and wikipedia.org
At The Great Frame Up we currently feature originals,
prints, sculpture, and framed artwork of numerous African
American and Iowa artists in the gallery. To see some
of the prior artists featured visit www.westdesmoines.
thegreatframeup.com and our social media. Please follow
us on Facebook facebook.com/tgfuwdmiowa, Instagram
instagram.com/thegreatframeup_wdm/, Pinterest
pinterest.com/tgfuwdm, Twitter twitter.com/tgfuwdm and
subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.
com/channel/UCZXFxAkE5drRXIVCHdTLRiw?
About The Great Frame Up
The Great Frame Up is a custom picture framer, offering
more than 1,000 custom frames, mat styles, ready to
hang framed art and local artwork. The West Des Moines
location of The Great Frame Up opened in 2005 and is
located at 5515 Mills Civic Parkway in the West Glen
Town Center and is open Monday through Saturday 10 -
5pm.
Members
receive a
20% discount
JOIN TODAY!
REGISTER NOW
summer
camps
HALF OR FULL DAY ART CAMPS
FOR AGES 5â€“15
FOR MORE INFORMATION
VISIT desmoinesartcenter.org/LEARN
4700 GRAND AVENUE
DES MOINES, IOWA / 515.277.4405
×`„h'7•<ûè<×`„h'7•<ûè<~ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://UfPsTawgHhkMEymhR64vMOex8bBqE85JL0jpE6-1zM4Î Ÿ Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://NhC2LuVQz9M0VEbpPNzb338dS6gEVLEEMKFVFK7k_YIÎ oÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://9yywgRWtciGMBAW2jP8hGtglGyuKDvwO_q7HtTKVm4QÍSÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://NO9KKkvzqxDSpwvHxF9YLQb1C6hub39qXgny-AED9yoÎ ¼ðÍ8Í Í	ÑÍñ×`„h)7•<ûè=×‰EÚ
¨The Iowa Club of Des Moines Awards 2021 Scholarships!
Arabia Parkey
The daughter of Erica and Jermaine Parkey of
Des Moines and a graduate of Herbert Hoover High School. Arabia, is headed
to the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. She submitted a thorough application
including a 4.28 weighted GPA, an amazing letter, and volunteer work. Arabiaâ€™s
letters of support included comments from students and faculty about her
accolades, accomplishments, character, curiosity,
determination, and
commitment. One teacher stated that, â€œArabia is an asset to any program. She
is dedicated to learning new things and taking risksâ€¦. she is a remarkable
individual who is a strong leader and role model in every part of her lifeâ€¦â€
Arabia is a Central Academy student who has taken several AP courses, is a
multi-year academic letter winner, participant of Science Bound, Movement
515, DMPS and HHHS Racial Equity Groups, the National Honor Society, and the
National Council on Youth Leadership. At Hoover she was a member of Varsity
Basketball, Cross Country, Track, and Spirit Crew. Parker is a school newspaper
editor and has received numerous awards from the Iowa High School Press
Association for Journalism. She is also a published poet and illustrator. Through
her love of writing stories and creating art, Arabia has found her passion in
Journalism. Moving forward, staying silent is no longer an option for her.
b
Tyson Walker
The son of Jen and Will Walker. Tyson is a graduate
of West Des Moines Valley and an AP student with a 3.57 weighted GPA. Tyson is a
successful academic and undecided about where he will be going to college. He tells
us he is interested in Grandview, Simpson, Rockhurst, Central Missouri, Louisiana
Tech, Barry University, and the University of Tampa. Tyson is looking for a career as
a Physical Therapist, majoring in either Biology or Pre-Med. He is a community
volunteer (Meals from the Heartland, Science Center of Iowa, and Des Moines Parks
and Recreation), Captain of the Varsity basketball team, an all-academic basketball
recipient, as well as a 4-year academic letter winner. He was also a member of
Science Bound and played football when attending Des Moinesâ€™ Theodore
Roosevelt High School for two years. Tyson also participated in AAU basketball
beginning when he was in the 3rd grade. One of Walkerâ€™s letters of recommendation
describes â€œTy being deserving of
this scholarship based on his dedication,
commitment, leadership, and willingness to grow.â€ The writer stated that he never
had to worry about Tyâ€™s preparation and mental approach. He is always ready to
go.
Congratulations to our winners!
We know you will be remarkably successful.
- The Iowa Club of Des Moines
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://9yywgRWtciGMBAW2jP8hGtglGyuKDvwO_q7HtTKVm4QÍSÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<€×‰EÚ+by Donnetta Austin
Are you someone who
manages your time wisely?
Each of us are given 24
hours in a day. The thought
has crossed my mind that
time waits for no one.
Personally for myself I like
to set goals rather short or
long term and map It out on
a vision board. By the time
a few weeks, to months,
then a full year has gone
by I realize procrastination
has set in. I have come no
where near close to what I
wanted to accomplish.
Maybe you are proactive
and have already
anticipated what youâ€™re life
will look like in ten, fifteen
,or twenty years from now.
As an example, a friend of
mine has a twenty one year
old son who attends college
and majoring in business.
My friendâ€™s son knows
that his father has always
imagined him collaborating
together in a family owned
business.
Then while studying,
preparing for graduation,
and trying his best to
keep up with a 4.0 GPA in
college, life has thrown
him a curveball and the
unexpected happened. My
friendâ€™s son had to figure
out how to lead and run a
family business by himself
while coping with the fact
that a change has taken
place and help is needed.
In the NIV Bible
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts are not
your thoughts, neither
are your ways my ways,
declares the Lord. As the
heavens are higher than
the earth, so are my
ways higher than your
ways and my thoughts
than your thoughts.
We are also reassured in
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the
plans I have for
you , declares
the Lord, plans
to prosper you
and not to harm
you, plans to give
you hope and a
future.
Our plans can alter at any
given moment. It can feel
like your faith is being
tested. Will you trust in
God to get you to the place
of where you need to be?
Ultimately he will provide
and make a way for his
glory.
By Donnetta Austin
Book on Amazon â€œNever
Retire Godâ€
Email:
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 15
×`„h'7•<ûè<×`„h'7•<ûè<€ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://IDrBuI8hrCX9rBbxagDvSPrFRR4nlYykgBOY4xc8TqcÎ  5Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://btkRpDKUlDne7nXYdFnMcKT9gTDpkEf9WWtLSgfhS6AÍåwÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Q3obHeBvMgvB-b2HSlGeDaCwDRC6I_pdHTsEPsalvO8ÍJBÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ALMmH8BHfJLWq5KO-mxQUsr2lghBq1dqGGJRaFymXjkÎ Ž„<Í Í	ÑÍñ×`„h)7•<ûè=”× ×`„h)7•<ûè= ÍûÍ%Ìœ9×‰H¸http://www.dmschools.orgG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h)7•<ûè= ÍùÍÀÌ»9×‰H¾http://www.youthoftheyear.org/G××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h)7•<ûè=% ÍùÍÅÌÀ9×H½http://www.youthoftheyear.org××Ðˆ× ×`„h)7•<ûè=$ ÍûÍ+Ìœ9×H¸http://www.dmschools.org××Ðˆ×‰E×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Q3obHeBvMgvB-b2HSlGeDaCwDRC6I_pdHTsEPsalvO8ÍJBÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<„×‰EÚ
Eastâ€™s Arina Tembo:
Boys and Girls Club
Youth of the Year
Published by Des Moines Public Schools
www.dmschools.org
Congratulations to East High sophomore
Arina Tembo on being named the
Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls
Clubs of Central Iowa! The announcement
below from BGCCI shares more
about Arina and this recognition.
Des Moines Public Schools has partnered closely with
the Boys & Girls Clubs over the years in support of youth
programs. BGCCI currently has locations at six DMPS
schools: East High School; Hiatt, McCombs and Meredith
middle schools; and Carver and Moore elementary
schools.
Arina Tembo has been named the Central Iowa Youth of
the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa. The Youth
of the Year title is a prestigious honor bestowed upon an
exemplary young person in recognition of leadership, service,
academic excellence and dedication to live a healthy
lifestyle. Now in its 74th year, the Youth of the Year program
honors our nationâ€™s most awe-inspiring young people
on their path to great futures and encourages all kids to
lead, succeed and inspire.
After signing up for Club when she was in 7th grade, Arina
has grown into a confident Club leader. She has become
an advocate for education equality and is planning to
become a physician, all while overcoming the challenges
of switching schools and making new friends. By focusing
on self-love, Arina hopes to empower youth to love themselves
and teach them the impact self-love has on their
relationships, lifestyle and future.
â€œWe are incredibly proud of
Arina and all the Central Iowa
Youth of the Year candidates,â€
said Tony Timm, CEO of Boys
& Girls Clubs of Central Iowa.
â€œArina has exhibited extraordinary
service and leadership.
We look forward to continuing
to support Arinaâ€™s Club journey
in becoming a role model other
kids can admire and emulate.â€
Arina will go on to compete for the Iowa Youth of the Year
title and a $2,500 college scholarship from Boys & Girls
Clubs of America. If selected as Iowa Youth of the Year,
she will contend for the title of Midwest Regional Youth of
the Year who will receive an additional $20,000 college
scholarship. Six finalists will advance to the virtual National
Youth of the Year event in October 2021, to vie for the
title of Boys & Girls Clubs of Americaâ€™s National Youth of
the Year. The National Youth of the Year will receive an
additional scholarship of $50,000 and a brand-new Toyota
Corolla.
For more information about the Youth of the Year program,
visit www.youthoftheyear.org.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 17
×`„h'7•<ûè<…×`„h'7•<ûè<„ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://dYxbCB3__0_qCgRkhplFgNfkm2mV_lhBZNMHEKXyheAÎ 8‹Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://jzHoOSCJgY0dYZuMuvBECi146iXPmaMiOTTDfDPLGB4Í¼ðÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://3Y8QjYjKxKto7BdDCcMo_I1MmXJb5-yC0KmP8ja9mQYÍBþÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://YreqmbPHkpFD2Z5ab4Cl-ocC7dxLRDUQRnvXXOTNxsMÎ MgÍÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h)7•<ûè=&–× ×`„h)7•<ûè= Í8ÍÅB9×‰H·https://www.hy-vee.com/G××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h)7•<ûè= ÍFÍýÍ?9×‰HÚ 5https://www.evelynkdaviscenter.org/Pages/welcome.aspxG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h)7•<ûè=  ÍÍÌÈ9×‰HÚ 5https://www.evelynkdaviscenter.org/Pages/welcome.aspxG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h)7•<ûè=! ÍÒÍÍA9×‰HÚ :https://www.evelynkdaviscenter.org/syep/Pages/welcome.aspxG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h)7•<ûè=" ÍvÍKÌò9×‰HÚ :https://www.evelynkdaviscenter.org/syep/Pages/welcome.aspxG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h)7•<ûè=# ÍÍgM9×‰HÚ :https://www.evelynkdaviscenter.org/syep/Pages/welcome.aspxG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ×‰E×‰	Ú 7cassandra://3Y8QjYjKxKto7BdDCcMo_I1MmXJb5-yC0KmP8ja9mQYÍBþÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<Œ×‰EÚ1Area Hy-Vee store managers who participated in the month-long fund-raiser include: (left
to right) Josh Clark, Cody Stoermer, Brian Bieker, Joe Milnes, Aaron Lammers, Brock Wulf,
Jenn Seipel, Jeff Osborn, Paige Christensen and DeWayne McIntyre.
DMACC President Rob Denson (front row, left) and Evelyn K. Davis
Center for Working Families Interim Director Joy Esposito hold a check in
the amount of $6,000 that was presented to the EKD Center by Hy-Vee.
Back in February, area Hy-Vee stores donated proceeds from the monthlong
sales of numerous items to the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working
Families (EKD Center) Summer Youth Experience Program.
More than 400 youth have completed the Summer Youth Experience
Program since it began in 2013. The program provides local youth,
ages 14-21, with work-readiness training and workplace experience,
including an eight-week work placement with an area employer, a program
mentor, weekly cohort meetings and the opportunity to earn income, skills
and an National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 19
×`„h'7•<ûè<×`„h'7•<ûè<ŒÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://cyXl2EfLW2YlzIjRG2AN8MlhM5xSKKZT3eGZYdPt-foÎ ÇÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://r1Wc0scRTfGDIgfuHLBjIQGN7xy7Ua-j-JNWwOIfKJsÍÔ
Í`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://SD2gTzY0bTH15AUU3BPJ1MVTsaVRwEhR5oR7gGFl6mgÍD¿Í`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://DLXzu_qALY7wMBcZ91e7_PN7Lgwgf8dFaG45mtBKG2sÎ 4QÍ	’Í Í	ÑÍñ×`„h)7•<ûè=(‘× ×`„h)7•<ûè=+ ÍæÍ5Ì¥9×H·http://drake.edu/bright××Ðˆ×‰EÚ ÛMekisha Barnes
â€œI am beyond excited and
honored to join the Weeks
staff, students, family and
community,â€ said Barnes.
Published by Des
Moines Public Schools
www.dmschools.org
To be Principal at
Weeks Middle School
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://SD2gTzY0bTH15AUU3BPJ1MVTsaVRwEhR5oR7gGFl6mgÍD¿Í`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<Ž×‰EÚ?Des Moines Public Schools is pleased to
announce a longtime district leader, Mekisha
Barnes, will be the next principal at Weeks
Middle School. Barnes is currently the
principal of King Elementary School and was
previously the International Baccalaureate
and World Languages Coordinator for DMPS.
Weeks Middle School, located at 901 East
Park Avenue, educates nearly 750 students in
grades 6-8.
Barnes has a Bachelor of Arts in Education
from Simpson College and a Masterâ€™s degree
in Educational Leadership from Drake
University. She started her teaching career in
Longmont, CO in 1997, returning home to Des
Moines to teach at Smouse Opportunity School
in 2001. Since then, she has taught elementary
and middle school at King, Park Avenue,
Downtown School and Gateway Secondary
School.
â€œI am beyond excited and honored to join the
Weeks staff, students, family and community,â€
said Barnes.
Barnes brings more than seven-and-a-half
years of experience teaching and leading at the
secondary school level. As principal she was
a key member of the Drake University/King
Academy Educational Partnership and serves
on councils, committees and teams promoting
goal-oriented plans to positively influence
everything from student behavior to school
vision to the improvement of Iowa Assessment
scores. Recently she has been a member of
the school districtâ€™s Equity Committee, the
Algebra Task Force, and the Antiracist Team.
â€œMekisha has proven, time and again, her
commitment to our students as well as our
school communities,â€ said Noelle Nelson,
executive director of teaching and learning at
DMPS. â€œHer experience makes her an ideal
leader to engage with the staff and families
at Weeks to realize the goals for student
success.â€
The current Weeks principal, Cheryl Modlin,
has accepted a position with another school
district. A search for Barnesâ€™ replacement at
King will begin soon.
Inspired by
a great leader,
Bright College
is taking
a new approach
to education.
Want to do school differently?
So do we. Our two-year
associate degrees are
designed to accelerate
your career.
drake.edu/bright
×`„h'7•<ûè<×`„h'7•<ûè<ŽÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://m3fRv8Xlj8zCMzrkns_MM3VBHpVMEvcKEFapR48l3xwÎ <fÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://B5V8G9AXFr8lKVzoNMkIxVRSqgdc3-623osR86LCq3cÍv¾Í`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://cJaWSW3INoyefilR-cVGDqCxNyb1UsfOlcTW-KBzwvMÍ,éÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://_bZbxJFvBnGNYDPPsgyCD5EQ1R4DNuWI9UOiNHFIhSsÍpg(Í Í	ÑÍñ×`„h)7•<ûè=,×‰EÚ ÷By Terence Haynes
I put my hands up Iâ€™m shot.
I put my hands down Iâ€™m shot
I put my hands on a cellphone Iâ€™m shot
I put my hands in my pocket Iâ€™m shot
I put my hands on a cd Iâ€™m shot
I put my hands on the door knob to my home Iâ€™m shot
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://cJaWSW3INoyefilR-cVGDqCxNyb1UsfOlcTW-KBzwvMÍ,éÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<×‰EÚaI put my hands on icecream Iâ€™m shot
I put my hands on the steering wheel Iâ€™m shot
I put my hands where you can see them Iâ€™m shot
I put my hands together to pray Iâ€™m shot
I finally figured out why Iâ€™m shot
The common thread with all the scenarios
Is, your affraid of these hands you donâ€™t want... SO Iâ€™M SHOT
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 23
×`„h'7•<ûè<‘×`„h'7•<ûè<ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://W6Fnnfajoslj7pM6xM1YNQWEyszN-lcN804HHmtI6eYÎ HÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ObNDEg9lFNHRNlkqKeMaib2Y9Fy9aR37Jl63wa7NdAUÍéžÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Azgd1ijcXyyOqfnh5A9bpeG8q5f1mbfwr_dCYnf2sdUÍHÖÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://N340PhLuenmesZBJkjgdPZfK2A213ZXCnsNDjX7eHlkÎ ÑÍBÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h*7•<ûè=/’× ×`„h)7•<ûè=. ,ÍÌœ9×‰H¸http://www.dmschools.orgG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h*7•<ûè=3 ,ÍÌœ9×H¸http://www.dmschools.org××Ðˆ×‰EÚ»Des Moines Public Schools
Readies to Celebrate and
Honor the Class of 2021
Published by Des Moines Public Schools
www.dmschools.org
Caps and gowns.
Pomp and circumstance.
Commencements are a traditional rite of
passage for students moving on to the next
stage of their lives. Tradition took a back
seat last year as high schools, colleges
and universities across the country made
changes in their graduation ceremonies
due to the pandemic.
While many educational institutions did
virtual events for the Class of 2020, at
Des Moines Public Schools we created
â€œpersonal commencementsâ€ as a way for
each new alum to don their cap and gown,
walk across a stage, and receive their wellearned
diploma.
As DMPS prepares to celebrate the Class
of 2021, commencements are taking a big
step towards â€œnormalâ€ as we celebrate our
graduates in late May.
Each of our high schools and high school
programs will hold a graduation ceremony,
with the dates, times and locations noted
below. For this year the events will be held
in different locations depending, in part, on
the size of the graduating class.
In addition, as we are in what is hopefully
the final phase of the pandemic, there
will be steps taken to meet public health
protocols. For example, face masks will
be required of all attendees; seating will
be arranged to try and encourage social
distancing; and the number of guests will
be limited. (NOTE: the number of guests
will depend on the size of the senior class;
graduates will be informed by their school
of the number of guests they may invite.)
This is being done in the interest of the
health and well-being of our students, staff
and families, and we expect and appreciate
everyoneâ€™s cooperation.
Two days in a school year always stand
out as extra special: the first day of school
and the commencement of our graduates.
While this yearâ€™s first day of school was
interrupted by COVID-19, everyone at
DMPS is excited to be able to celebrate the
Class of 2021.
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Azgd1ijcXyyOqfnh5A9bpeG8q5f1mbfwr_dCYnf2sdUÍHÖÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<“×‰EÚúSchedule of the Class of 2021 Commencements at DMPS
SCHOOL
LOCATION
All Points Academy
Focus
Ruby Van Meter
East High School
Lincoln High School
Roosevelt High School
Hoover High School
North High School
Virtual Campus
Summer Graduation
Central Campus Auditorium
Central Campus Auditorium
Ruby Van Meter Gymnasium
Williams Stadium
Lincoln Roundhouse
Drake Stadium
Drake University Knapp Center
Drake University Knapp Center
Central Campus Auditorium
North High School
DATE/TIME
May 22, 2:00 p.m.
May 22, 2:00 p.m.
May 28, 6:00 p.m.
May 29, 9:00 a.m.
(Rain date: May 30, noon)
May 29, 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
May 29, 5:00 p.m.
(Rain date: May 30, 5:00 p.m.)
May 30, 10:00 a.m.
May 30, 2:00 p.m.
May 30, 4:00 p.m.
August 14, time TBA
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 25
×`„h'7•<ûè<”×`„h'7•<ûè<“ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://2zf2G3HPhJyFctj-VDwavAN9IOOfhveR3mkPPkcprDkÎ nñÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://vErJI9aJ2uQIP-tp6AFkiwm50UhCq2x4o2C3OorPehoÍö Í`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://qLdUNgB7Z3CoW07AaK4YD6W2MS_JEE-re1xK1NgfpikÍH¡Í`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://TjYhTy2sZ08IaQy7gVKHzngMU2HdlPYIXDSrOrkwh3oÍÖ×ÌúÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h*7•<ûè=4”× ×`„h*7•<ûè=1 ÍÍ@b9×‰H·http://www.alz.org/iowaG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h*7•<ûè=2 Í%Íc9×‰H«about:blankG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h*7•<ûè=7 Í%Í¥h9×Hµhttp://alz.org/facts.××Ðˆ× ×`„h*7•<ûè=6 ÍÍHg9×H´http://alz.org/iowa.××Ðˆ×‰EÚªNew Alzheimerâ€™s Association
Report Examines Racial and
Ethnic Attitudes on Alzheimerâ€™s
and Dementia Carea
By: Lauren Livingston â€“ In March, the Alzheimerâ€™s
Association released its 2021 Alzheimerâ€™s Disease
Facts and Figures report along with a special report
looking at the attitudes and perspectives of African
Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans and Native
Americans on dementia care in America for the first
time. This report revealed that discrimination is a barrier
to Alzheimerâ€™s and dementia care, which unfortunately
does not come as a surprise. More than one-third of
Black Americans (36%) and nearly one-fifth of Hispanic
Americans (18%) and Asian Americans (19%), believe
that discrimination would be a barrier to receiving
Alzheimerâ€™s care. In addition, half or more of non-White
caregivers say they have experienced discrimination
when seeking care for themselves or their loved ones.
The 2021 Facts and Figures report also provides an indepth
look at the latest national statistics on Alzheimerâ€™s
prevalence, incidence, mortality, costs of care and
impact on caregivers. New disease-related statistics for
Iowa revealed the following:
â— Number of Iowa residents aged 65 and older
living with Alzheimerâ€™s: 66,000
â— Estimated number of Iowa residents living with
Alzheimerâ€™s in 2025: 73,000
â— Percentage change: 10.6%
â— Statewide deaths from Alzheimerâ€™s disease
(2019): 1,344
â— Number of Iowa residents serving as unpaid
family caregivers: 73,000
â— Total hours of unpaid care provided: 60 million
â— Total value of unpaid care: 995 million
Findings in the special report also reveal that non-White
racial and ethnic populations expect and experience
more barriers when accessing dementia care, have
less trust in medical research and are less confident
that they have access to health professionals who
understand their ethnic and racial background and
experiences. One eye-opening statistic shows that only
half of Black Americans (53%) trust a future cure for
Alzheimerâ€™s will be shared equally regardless of race,
color or ethnicity.
â€œDespite ongoing efforts to address health and health
care disparities in Alzheimerâ€™s and dementia care,
survey results show there is still a lot of work to be
done,â€ said Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH. chief diversity,
equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimerâ€™s Association.
â€œClearly, discrimination, lack of diversity among health
care professionals and mistrust in medical research
create significant barriers to care and demand the
countryâ€™s full attention.â€
As you may know, health and socioeconomic
disparities and systemic racism contribute to increased
Alzheimerâ€™s and dementia risk in communities of color.
According to the report, older Blacks and Hispanics are
also disproportionately more likely to have Alzheimerâ€™s
and other dementias. In addition, both groups are more
likely to have missed diagnoses than older whites.
The Alzheimerâ€™s Association believes that bridging the
racial and ethnic barriers in Alzheimerâ€™s and dementia
care is vital, and they are taking steps to help decrease
the disparities. Some of these steps include:
â€¢ Increasing diversity in dementia care. The
Alzheimerâ€™s Association surveys indicate
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://qLdUNgB7Z3CoW07AaK4YD6W2MS_JEE-re1xK1NgfpikÍH¡Í`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<—×‰EÚânon-White ethnic and racial populations want
dementia care providers who understand their
experiences and backgrounds, however, only
1 in 3 U.S. physicians are Black, American
Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Asian.
Future Alzheimerâ€™s and dementia research can
be strengthened by increasing the diversity of
investigators and professionals who conduct
clinical trial and population health research as
well.
of how racial and ethnic differences may
affect the effectiveness and safety of potential
new treatments. The Alzheimerâ€™s Association
is working with several community-based
organizations and other groups to educate and
engage diverse communities about Alzheimerâ€™s
disease and care and support services it
provides. National partnerships include:
ï‚§ The African Methodist Episcopal
Church
ï‚§ The Alzheimerâ€™s Association and
NIH are co-funding the Institute
on Methods and Protocols for
Advancement of Clinical Trials
in Alzheimerâ€™s disease and
related dementias (IMPACTAD)
program -- an innovative
program to increase diversity in
dementia research launched in
fall of 2020. Seventy percent or
the participants were women and
more than half self-identified as
people of color.
â€¢ Engage, recruit and retain diverse populations in
Alzheimerâ€™s and dementia research and clinical
trials. Without appropriate representation of
Black, Hispanic, Asian and Native Americans
in Alzheimerâ€™s clinical trials and research, it is
impossible to get a complete understanding
ï‚§ The National Hispanic Council on
Aging
ï‚§ SAGE (Advocacy & Services for
LGBTQ Elders)
ï‚§ The Thurgood Marshall College
Fund
ï‚§ Tzu Chi USA
If you would like to learn how to get involved to help
spread awareness, share your story and improve
dementia care in your community, visit alz.org/iowa. Full
text of the 2021 Alzheimerâ€™s Disease Facts and Figures
report, including the accompanying special report,
â€œRace, Ethnicity and Alzheimerâ€™s in America,â€ can be
viewed at alz.org/facts.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 27
×`„h'7•<ûè<˜×`„h'7•<ûè<—ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://j3XOmQvjmJW9GcDjGp-zoCBFDWmQRyeIbpoG3alRRksÎ ~Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://-d-z6bcJr33VvRUiGXGlgVS_yLW5dHeYInFvP776WWUÍãÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://NgWqAD_9Psfq8BwfF0EIZ3luvCRgGLAE6QQ6NyMr1aIÍH„Í`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://wp3EOwwRLMMhoCdPSAWmthBVwIiRYHN0cM6YeAQa-ZoÎ v™Í²Í Í	ÑÍñ×`„h*7•<ûè=8‘× ×`„h*7•<ûè=> ÍVÍ|Ì™9×H¾mailto:kelly.c.king@mwarep.org××Ðˆ×‰EÚ rReal life: I get it now
The way the
world
works
A father from Texas shares the value of Modern Woodmen membership
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://NgWqAD_9Psfq8BwfF0EIZ3luvCRgGLAE6QQ6NyMr1aIÍH„Í`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<™×‰EÚ­D
aniel Oâ€™Bryan loves old cars. If you visited his home in Stagecoach, Texas, in
spring 2016, you would have had the opportunity to see some beauties. A
1935 Hudson Terraplane. A 1962 Lincoln Continental convertible. A â€™69
Volkswagen. A â€™55 school bus.
But by late spring, those beauties were all destroyed when a massive flood
rushed through his tiny town.
â€œThatâ€™s just the way the world works sometimes,â€ Daniel says.
When â€œthe way the world worksâ€ isnâ€™t so great, Daniel knows he can rely on
friends to lend a helping hand. Thatâ€™s what heâ€™s come to appreciate about his
Modern Woodmen membership, too. When life happens, he feels Modern
Woodmen is there for him and his family.
Growing up Modern Woodmen
Daniel has been a Modern Woodmen member since childhood. He has fond
memories of fall festivals, tree plantings and attending other local Modern
Woodmen chapter activities with his family.
Once Daniel started a family of his own, his relationship with the fraternal
financial services organization deepened.
â€œI started to realize I had a lot more things I needed to think about
financially,â€ he says.
He still had the life insurance his parents purchased for him as a kid, but he
knew he needed more. He worked with Modern Woodmen representative Ted
Laws to increase his coverage. His wife, Madison, also purchased coverage.
â€œItâ€™s better to be protected and make sure your family is taken care of if
something bad happens,â€ he says. â€œHopefully it doesnâ€™t, but you never know.â€
When â€œyou never knowâ€ happens
In 2010, Daniel and Madison faced a parentâ€™s worst nightmare. Their son,
Ewan, was born with a dysplastic kidney. He died just 6 days later.
Through Modern Woodmenâ€™s Newborn Benefit, the Oâ€™Bryans received
money to help with their sonâ€™s burial expenses.
â€œWe lost pretty much everything we
had in a matter of two days.â€
â€“ Modern Woodmen member Daniel Oâ€™Bryan,
Stagecoach, Texas
Fast-forward to late spring 2016 when 55 inches of water invaded the
familyâ€™s house. The flood destroyed those classic cars Daniel loved as well
as a majority of the familyâ€™s possessions.
â€œWe lost pretty much everything we had in a matter of two days,â€ Daniel says.
Their homeownersâ€™ insurance didnâ€™t cover the losses, but Modern Woodmen
came through in the familyâ€™s time of need. The organization paid their life
insurance premiums for three months through the Fraternal Aid Fund.
â€œEvery little bit helps when you have to start all over,â€ says Daniel.
Shared values
Daniel appreciates that Modern Woodmenâ€™s values align with his own. A former
Eagle Scout, he says having Modern Woodmen and the Boy Scouts in his life
helps him continue to be involved in his community. It helps him plant the
seed of service in his kids too.
â€œModern Woodmen is not a company thatâ€™s just taking your money to
make a profit,â€ he says. â€œBeing a Modern Woodmen member means having
people who think about you, who want to help and who actually care about
whatâ€™s going on in your life.â€
P 8953-61-C
Founded in 1883 as a fraternal benefit society,
Modern Woodmen of America offers financial
services and fraternal member benefits to
individuals and families throughout the
United States.
Subject to change, fraternal member benefits are not part of the
contract and may have specific eligibility requirements. Some benefits
are not available to all members.
Kelly C. King, FIC
Suite 305
4150 Westown Parkway
Des Moines, IA 50266
B 515-238-3208
kelly.c.king@mwarep.org
Questions?
Contact your local Modern Woodmen of
America representative:
Registered representative. Securities offered through MWA Financial
Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of
America. Member: FINRA, SIPC.
×`„h'7•<ûè<š×`„h'7•<ûè<™ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://MmuzLnQ8h0A8xndYgW_Q8TZ4swXoMelvxSGlvTHEHDMÎ ¬jÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://x1QvYz4m2_Eh0ZI4YaeGwvLocVfmpPLjoqyXu_JzdckÍûaÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://dot4Ytr3bjY2m5U8NqMbIELj5jDtOjnZKsZO_7EMLMIÍPPÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://xYi4n27QsajaTmjqIrSr9w7Y2bj4uMJ5bOaQMfV7ZvIÎ ?OdÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h*7•<ûè=:×‰E×‰	Ú 7cassandra://dot4Ytr3bjY2m5U8NqMbIELj5jDtOjnZKsZO_7EMLMIÍPPÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<›×‰EÚ	ªAlcohol Awareness:
There is hope and helpâ€¦
By:Fred Knapp Lead Counselor at New Connections Broadlawns Medical Center
April is Alcohol Awareness Month which is an
annual opportunity to overcome the stigma of
alcohol use disorder and increase education of the
dangers of alcohol misuse.
According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug
Use and Health, an estimated 14.1 million
Americans ages 18 and older had an alcohol use
disorder and 25.8% individuals 18 and older had
participated in binge drinking in the past month (4
drinks for women and 5 drinks for men in about 2
hours).
Each year, an estimated 95,000 people in the
United States die from alcohol-related causes. It
is the third most preventable cause of death in the
US, following tobacco use and poor diet/physical
activity.
Drinking too much alcohol over time can cause
serious health problems including: liver disease,
digestive problems, heart problems, diabetes
complications, eye problems, birth defects, bone
damage, neurological complications, weakened
immune system, and an increased risk of cancer.
Some people are more affected by a certain amount
of alcohol, while others are less affected. The reason
for this is unknown, but it is known that an undefined
amount of alcohol can cause changes in the brain
leading to use disorder.
These are a few behaviors that may indicate that you or
a loved one could be abusing alcohol:
â€¢ The smell of alcohol on the breath, slurred
speech, lack of coordination, nausea or
vomiting, hangovers
â€¢ Having memory loss or blackouts from drinking
â€¢ Experiencing accidents or injuries while drinking
â€¢ Alcohol use interfering with work, school, or
other activities
â€¢ Choosing to drink alcohol while or prior to driving
or boating
Alcohol abuse can manifest to become an alcohol
use disorder. There is no way to determine how much
alcohol use it might take to move from simple use to
an alcohol use disorder except, more. The amount
is different for each individual, making identifying a
problem challenging. These are some indicators of
alcohol disorder:
â€¢ Cannot control the amount they drink
â€¢ Tolerance continuing to increase to create a
â€œbuzzâ€
â€¢ Feeling sick, shaky or restless when not using
alcohol
â€¢ Continuing to drink, even though it is harming
themselves or their loved ones
â€¢ Putting drinking ahead of other activities
â€¢ Making excuses or hiding drinking
â€¢ Wanting to quit drinking, but still drinking
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 31
×`„h'7•<ûè<œ×`„h'7•<ûè<›ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://RR4uojNGNAJMBXOBGk47LPfjp_r6oi17nV5HXiHBnpoÎ ùZÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://zxS0JKatWLKMx81ZNd-ZZH85ya9E35sQxxQrtC9RqY0ÍþêÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://otyhxArh8B7Zp5jjjVID-BOijEgkW898YEIRbbLOPkEÍQÕÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://_IymLX4wMmJf9PdwvSvLWi0XjK_9l56Wb2KJv8xNuH8Î !ÎÍ@Í Í	ÑÍñ×`„h+7•<ûè=?•× ×`„h*7•<ûè=< 'ÍDÌ¬9×‰H»http://www.yourlifeiowa.orgG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h*7•<ûè== Í¦ÌüÌ©9×‰H¹http://www.broadlawns.orgG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h+7•<ûè=D ÍHÍ¯Í-9×H½http://DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORG××Ðˆ× ×`„h+7•<ûè=C Í ÍQÌâ9×H´http://ARTCENTER.ORG××Ðˆ× ×`„h+7•<ûè=B Í¦ÍÌ®9×H¹http://www.broadlawns.org××Ðˆ×‰EÚ¨Many people with alcohol related issues donâ€™t recognize
that they have a problem. An intervention from a friend
or family member can help them to recognize and
accept that they need professional help. Treatment for
alcohol use disorder can vary, depending on individual
needs. It may involve a brief intervention, individual
or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a
residential inpatient stay.
If you feel that you or a loved one are struggling
with problematic alcohol use know that you are not
alone. It can be overwhelming to consider seeking
help, but there are many resources available in our
community. Your Life Iowa has a 24/7 hotline that
the Iowa Department of Public Health created where
Iowans can live chat, text, or call to receive use disorder
information and find nearby help. To learn more visit
www.yourlifeiowa.org, call (855) 581-8111 or text (855)
895-8398.
Broadlawns Medical Centerâ€™s New Connections is
here in our Des Moines community for individuals
seeking treatment for alcohol use disorder as well
as other substance use disorders. New Connections
provides integrated substance abuse and mental health
treatment for the body, mind and community.
As part of the Broadlawns Medical Center Behavioral
Health Department, New Connections is a cooccurring
treatment program presented by Addiction
Treatment Services. New Connections employs a
nationally recognized, evidence-based, interactive
curriculum to help individuals discover their strengths,
gain confidence, and learn skills to help individuals
overcome their dependence on alcohol or other drugs
and maintain abstinence based living.
New Connections explores the daily challenges of living
with co-occurring substance use and mental health
disorders while offering the opportunity to develop
appropriate tools for:
â€¢ Responsible thinking
â€¢ Values
â€¢ Individual change
â€¢ Relationships
â€¢ Transitions in living
â€¢ Life skills
â€¢ Handling difficult emotions
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://otyhxArh8B7Zp5jjjVID-BOijEgkW898YEIRbbLOPkEÍQÕÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<Ÿ×‰EÚÒThe decision to seek treatment for what
appears to be a problem with alcohol
is rarely easy. If you feel that you or
someone you love drinks too much, or
has problems as a result of drinking,
seek help. Call Broadlawnsâ€™ New
Connections at (515) 282-6610. All forms
of insurance are accepted and financial
assistance may be available. For more
information, visit www.broadlawns.org.
THE PATH
TO PARADISE
Judith Schaechterâ€™s
Stained-Glass Art
ARTCENTER.ORG FOR INFO
FEBRUARY 12 â€“ MAY 23, 2021
ANNA K. MEREDITH GALLERY
ORGANIZED BY THE
MEMORIAL ART GALLERY OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
VISIT DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORG
FOR MORE INFORMATION
4700 GRAND AVENUE
DES MOINES, IOWA / 515.277.4405
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 33
×`„h'7•<ûè< ×`„h'7•<ûè<ŸÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://J-s7gl-gRlY8tcpbvYZJ-Vo-QwqxMNxB4OPL5lHmGuAÎ $øÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://5K7T4LgAJagGOyf9WQqn0trx53etUn30I15xPO-UIcwÍñÛÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://LTHvL26gEq_dj9SItvQ4ZbVZwbGw7rJpvhs4NMFankYÍMìÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://hJb2bnaSIb23--h7bSPPRuNggGKsR_xZ_z5hEKO2rZUÍ×:0Í Í	ÑÍñ×`„h+7•<ûè=E×‰EÚ gDwana Bradley and
Wayne Ford named senior
ambassadors for Drake
Universityâ€™s John Dee
Bright College
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://LTHvL26gEq_dj9SItvQ4ZbVZwbGw7rJpvhs4NMFankYÍMìÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<¡×‰EÚ	SJohn Dee Bright College at Drake University,
a two-year college which will begin classes in
fall 2021, today announced the appointment of
Drake alumni Dwana Bradley, editor-in-chief
of The Urban Experience, and former State
Representative Wayne Ford as Bright College
senior ambassadors. In this role, Bradley
and Ford will work with local businesses and
organizations, central Iowa schools, fellow
Drake alumni, and prospective students and
their families to help ensure that communities
often underserved by higher education can
take advantage of the opportunities Bright
College offers.
â€œAn excellent
Drake University
education is not out
of reach,â€ said Bradley, who
earned a specialist degree in administration
and masterâ€™s degree in elementary education
and literacy from Drake. â€œBright College is
a new option for guidance counselors and
families, seeking a way to set their students
up for lifelong financial security and success.â€
A goal of Bright College is for students to
graduate with little or no tuition debt. Bright
College admission counselors are helping
students use federal Pell grants, state of Iowa
grants, and Drake scholarships to lower their
tuition burden to a relatively small amount that
can be covered by a Federally Subsidized
student loan. Classes are also held just three
days each week so students have time for
work, family, and other responsibilities, and
there is no on-campus living requirement.
â€œThis college is being designed from the start
to put fewer barriers in place for students from
low-income families,â€ said Ford, who holds
a bachelorâ€™s degree and honorary doctorate
from Drake.
â€œDrakeâ€™s leaders
are trying to recruit
more lower-income
and minority
students and I am
eager to help them
do it because I
believe their efforts
are sincere.â€ Ford also noted
that a primary reason he chose to learn and
play football at Drake was the story of Johnny
Bright.
Bright College students will learn universal
skills to prepare them for a modern workplace
like teamwork, communication, critical
thinking, project management, and problem
solving. All Bright College graduates are also
guaranteed admission to a Drake bachelorâ€™s
degree program if they decide to continue
their education.
â€œIâ€™m delighted that Wayne and Dwana have
joined our efforts,â€ said Craig Owens, dean of
Bright College.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 35
×`„h'7•<ûè<¢×`„h'7•<ûè<¡ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://XyBYsMS7cjLiNWjIWsNdnoZibLE-Q0bZ5bLYkqati90Î 88Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://KtcGNuKlkikzZbqcddYl61L_WiLXx8RwrpevkzG-F7AÍÑ—Í`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://vbkry1OwgcnpKeGkNjYeEz0Eu-kpgzOYp1B2JQBqGSsÍH»Í`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://10V3xC7RKYN7Z_gaKmO3BTWJuQ9SU1ov_D0jORRg_JAÎ ¯æÍÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h+7•<ûè=G×‰EÚÞâ€œTheir lifelong commitment to equity and
access in every area of life, and their energy
and passion, perfectly capture the Collegeâ€™s
mission to provide affordable access to
excellent, highly supportive post-secondary
education.â€
Under the leadership of Drake University
President Marty Martin, Drake University has
recommitted itself to investing in and serving
the Des-Moines and central Iowa community.
In addition to Bright College, other initiatives
in this spirit include providing land and
fundraising assistance for the creation of the
Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Boys & Girls
Club on the Drake University campus and
helping lead the effort to make University
Avenue more pedestrian-friendly.
We Print
Business Cards
Ask
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://vbkry1OwgcnpKeGkNjYeEz0Eu-kpgzOYp1B2JQBqGSsÍH»Í`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<£×‰EÚ lMARC
SUPREME
SITS DOWN
WITH
YOUNGEST
BLACK
CANNABIS
CEO
by Demarcus Hamilton
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 37
×`„h'7•<ûè<¤×`„h'7•<ûè<£ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://1B9omCFXs_mQTeG6qwswlgiSju6DnQaqACucF-yH_xkÎ ìˆÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://J58_gAxc79oQRjQd9y4mAzf2TqUZGpp8-BIe2Hf5ICwÎ $ßÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://AM8PaGmVpEPyzawu-wbmYo5BgCSt-_5VkBfTsfvRlDAÍOŽÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://cjsF2PqB7gEQxLyL0wvfaml998MYceeL_L2guB3Z0JgÍýW0Í Í	ÑÍñ×`„h,7•<ûè=I×‰EÚæAs soon as COVID-19 is
thoroughly suffocated by
countries worldwide and normal
life resumes, cannabis will once
again headline national business
conversations. Corporate coyotes
will resume jockeying for position
in legal states to establish turf
for years to come; and state
legislatures, meanwhile, will
navigate the cannabis free-fall
to in-part close budgetary holes,
and in full, be on the right side
of history and well suited for
reelection.
But for 26-year-old Elev8
Cannabis CEO, Seun Adedeji, he
wants states that claim equity
for minorities to put their money
where their mouth is.
â€œEven though African Americans
are four times more likely to
be arrested for marijuana than
Whites, and make up 50% of all
drug-related arrests, we only
make up 4.3% of the cannabis
industry. That scares me a lot;
because weâ€™re the pioneers of
this industry,â€ Adedeji said.
Adedeji, who already owns a
dispensary in Eugene, Oregon,
with three more pot shops set
to open in Massachusetts in
2020, says that many states,
including Massachusetts, have
social equity policies in place to
give opportunities to minorities.
Though these policies are well
intentioned, minorities often run
into practical barriers.
Massachusetts, for example,
has an economic empowerment
program; made to prioritize
minority applicantsâ€™ review
processâ€”essentially skipping
the line. But most minorities run
into an entirely different problem
once they get to the front.
â€œImagine being able to skip the
line to buy some Jâ€™s [Jordanâ€™s]
but you donâ€™t have any money,â€
Adedeji explained. â€œThatâ€™s what
youâ€™re seeing with minorities
in cannabis; and I find that
disappointing.â€
When asked who has the best
cannabis law on the books so far,
Adedeji hesitantly suggests that
it could be his former home state
of Illinois. But his reservations
lay in Illinoisâ€™ pledge to set aside
$30m in funds to help minorities
get into the cannabis industry.
â€œI donâ€™t think that the money is
going to arrive on time to give
minorities the opportunity to
leverage this fund to then apply.
From how Iâ€™m looking at it, it
would take the next round of
applicants before you really see
that fund in practice. Meanwhile,
everybody else is getting in the
game,â€ he said.
But with recreational cannabis
legalization on hold until January,
these policiesâ€™ efficacies remain
to be seen; yet, Adedeji says
heâ€™s optimistic. Illinois is also the
first state to remove real estate
ownership as a requirement for
individuals to apply, which he
says is â€œhuge!â€
There is a glimmer of hope for
the Midwest state, though.
Evanston, IL, a small city outside
north of Chicago, is carving
out its own approach to equity
and benefits for minorities
through cannabis legalizationâ€”
reparations to Blacks through a 3
percent tax on cannabis.
According to the Washington
Post, Robin Rue Simmons, a
black alderman that represents
the cityâ€™s Fifth Ward, said their
community was damaged due to
the war on drugs and marijuana
convictions. Reparations through
cannabis tax dollars provide the
city a chance to correct it.
Smitten by the nationâ€™s latest
gold rush of cannabis, thousands
of industry hopefuls mobilize
their inner circles in attempt to
claim their stake. Adedeji is no
different. A true entrepreneur
at heart, he ventured into the
cannabis industry with just three
elements: a dream, a savings
account and a lot of YouTube.
But for Adedeji, whether itâ€™s
selling candy in middle school
or cannabis in high schoolâ€”the
hustle is all the same. And when
asked, heâ€™ll tell you that he
subscribed to the power of pot
for one reason only: generational
wealth.
â€œMy ultimate goal is to really
help people,â€ Adedeji said. â€œTo
really create generational wealth,
not only for myself, but for the
people and communities around
me.â€
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://AM8PaGmVpEPyzawu-wbmYo5BgCSt-_5VkBfTsfvRlDAÍOŽÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<¥×‰EÚKHowever, as a Nigerian immigrant
growing up in Chicago and getting
stamped with an arrest record
while still in middle school,
creating generational wealth
seemed all-but-unreachable.
â€œAt the time that I got arrested,â€
Adedeji recounts, â€œI thought it
was the worst thing that could
have happened to me. My life
was over. I remember my parents
telling me theyâ€™re taking my
fingerprints. And Iâ€™m like â€˜man,
Iâ€™m done for!â€™â€
Adedeji, who describes his
upbringing as having to fend for
himself with â€œabsentee parentsâ€
in impoverished neighborhoods
in the Windy City, says he was
only selling weed in order to take
care of himself at the time. After
being arrested for the then-illegal
substance, he developed other
ways to supplement his lack of
income.
â€œI had to find ways to feed myself,
so I started a lawn-mowing
company; and I used to shovel
snow in the wintertime. Iâ€™d go
to the rich neighborhoods, so I
had contracts with those people
to shovel their snow for several
years. Iâ€™d also rake their lawns.
So I was always creative. I was
always hustling,â€ Adedeji recalls.
After getting introduced to the
cannabis industry in Washington
years later, Adedeji saved his own
$30,000 from his time working
in marketing, only to find out
it wasnâ€™t nearly enough to get
started. So he began selling
himself and his idea to investors.
The hustle proved fruitful; and
so did the arrest. In Illinois, in an
attempt to give minorities a fair
advantage, legislators created
a social equity program to help
minorities have a seat at the table
and a way into the industry. One
of the requirements to benefit
from Illinoisâ€™ $30 million social
equity program is having an
arrest on record for cannabis in
the state of Illinois. Adedeji was
able to prove his arrest; and he
has since applied to do business
in Illinois.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 39
×`„h'7•<ûè<¦×`„h'7•<ûè<¥ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://KvC0ewwkL1ltTmz8mANClw6fdUciBuguEZ1wmFL5t_4Î ãÅÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://S5_4Ypcj_VS0Q89kzyKsVy2yVucPDVBsVxO8W8WJ0T0ÍÈËÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Djk__AvJp50ljo_8PVxAQMyvHujMNOpdBqZqtnB4OV8ÍGmÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://BMNf7i_lqK2GXs5Yxz7SGyWNOajgfCMv7If_J-ERj_UÎ çœZÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h,7•<ûè=M“× ×`„h,7•<ûè=K ÍËÌ€Ìš9×‰H¿https://youtu.be/sz9v_G4tMdo%0DG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=L ÍÄÌž9×‰H¿https://youtu.be/sz9v_G4tMdo%0DG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=P ÍÌ‡ÌÖ9×H±https://youtu.be/××Ðˆ×‰E×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Djk__AvJp50ljo_8PVxAQMyvHujMNOpdBqZqtnB4OV8ÍGmÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<©×‰EÚZHe has also hosted or been a part of several
information sessions in 2019 alone, several in
the Greater Chicago land area.
With a dispensary in Eugene, Oregon, three
more set to open in Massachusetts in 2020 and
an eye on Illinois, everything is starting to come
full circle. Now, for one of the nationâ€™s youngest
cannabis entrepreneurs, itâ€™s about helping
others do the same.
â€œWhat Iâ€™m really hoping to get from this,â€
Adedeji says, â€œis to uplift other people along on
my journey and give back.â€
Peep the full interview below:https://youtu.be/
sz9v_G4tMdo
See What
Urban Can
Do for You!
×`„h'7•<ûè<ª×`„h'7•<ûè<©ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://-KosHZaxXkMWvqSmI7P2P6LVNrPls5XXEbHCU3XcrcgÎ ä1Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://mpnpIf11bth1gOEzip4V3O27CC55nHbBXudJQ21UKmcÍÆIÍ`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ODN-FhvDp5M5pEmVpxEk30VaMUT5L_Gi6vzS5xO5wuwÍ>¢Í`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://BD30N5rx0jIucX6PPuWKDsuiU4KSixFlPrY9LkdWhkIÎ @>ÍœÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h,7•<ûè=Q–× ×`„h,7•<ûè=O ÍxÍyÌ©9×‰H¹mailto:nakiae78@gmail.comG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=Y Í9Í†Í9×H¹https://www.facebook.com/××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=X Í{ÍâÍ9×H¸https://urbancitymag.co/××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=W ÍøÍÅÍ	9×HÚ  mailto:contactdsmurban@gmail.com××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=V Í7Í:ÌÐ9×H±http://ga.com/des××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=U Í7Í%Í.9×H®https://www.bo××Ðˆ×‰EÚ
Iowa Juneteenth Observance
A Program of The Des Moines Urban Experience
â€œMarking 31 Years of Service to the Iowa Communityâ€
2021 Iowa Juneteenth Observance Essay Contest
Sponsored by Drake University
Juneteenth is an international observance marking the end to slavery on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth will celebrate 156
years of celebration during 2021. The Iowa Juneteenth Observance will mark its 31st anniversary as well. On April 11,
2002, Governor Tom Vilsack signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as an official day of recognition in Iowa that
is observed annually on the third Saturday in June. This yearâ€™s theme for Iowa Juneteenth 2021 is â€œA Family Affair.â€
ELIGIBILITY: The essay contest is statewide and open to â€œall studentsâ€ enrolled in grades 9 through 11. We encourage
essayists to enlist the guidance of a teacher or other adult when completing the essay. The essay contest serves
as an inspirational vehicle for youth to strengthen appreciation for: 1) scholarship, 2) cultural diversity; and 3) the
enhancement of community relations.
ESSAY QUESTION: â€œHow have the events in 2020/2021 impacted you and/or your community and how would you
mend the cultural divide in this country.â€
CONTEST RULES
REQUIREMENTS: 1) Essays must be a minimum of 500 words and not exceed 700 words; 2) Essays may be typed
or word-processed (double spaced); 3) Essayists must use at least 5 sources of information from books, newspapers,
magazines, or websites which must be listed (cited) on a separate page and submitted with the essay; 4) Submit a
color photo (portrait style â€“ headshot), and 5) Complete the Student Information Form provided with this application
which can be accessed at www.iowajuneteenth.com
TOP HONORS: Each of the three winning essayists will receive a trophy. In addition, the first-place winner will receive
a $1,000.00 cash prize, the second-place winner will receive a $500.00 cash prize, and the third-place winner will
receive a $250.00 cash prize. The trophies and cash prizes are scheduled to be presented at an Iowa Juneteenth
Observance awards ceremony in Des Moines (TBA) and winning essayists must be present to receive their trophies/
cash prizes.
DEADLINE: Submit your essay, along with the Student Information Form, your photo, and your list of reading
sources, by email, on or before Friday April 30th, 2021, to Nakia Ewing at nakiae78@gmail.com or send the original
essay by regular mail (postmarked by April 30th, 2021) to:
The Des Moines Urban Experience
Iowa Juneteenth Essay Contest
PO Box 3092, Des Moines, Iowa 50316
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ODN-FhvDp5M5pEmVpxEk30VaMUT5L_Gi6vzS5xO5wuwÍ>¢Í`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<¬×‰EÚõLetâ€™s Support
our Black
Owned
Businesses
Bottle and Bottega
James and Bridget Neely
Wine & Painting
https://www.bottleandbottega.com/des-moines/
This
year The Urban Experience
Magazine celebrates 5 years.
This isnâ€™t a list of all the Black
owned businesses in our city.
The businesses listed below
have been either featured or
supported the Urban Experience
Magazine in the last five year. Put
your business card in the Urban
Experience Magazine for $25 a
month for the first year. Reach
out to us at:
contactdsmurban@gmail.com for
more details.
Urban City Magazine
Howell Dixon
Magazine/Podcast
https://urbancitymag.co/
Ruby Bâ€™s Catering
Bradley Family
Restaurant
515) 681-4028
https://www.facebook.com/
rubybskitchen/
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 43
×`„h'7•<ûè<­×`„h'7•<ûè<¬ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://37MoSbWSfbDTmyk4t_EFpv0wnEK-GBwI8dk6Fe-WiBoÎ Œ²Í`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://n9p8MAq0Q_zh2cQbh8O0stcsZjq92H7Yi_pGQWnIHYYÍì(Í`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://oOW-eleSHlBTC_vB-nSSGKABk1l9a8SL9lyC4URHiaUÍNTÍ`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://IuzL10gn2V7UHEcvKnlHuzRZ62dB6CtfH2keq5cUNckÎ ÑÌÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h,7•<ûè=Zœ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=i Ì¹Í1Ìž9×HÚ  http://www.imagezphotostudio.com××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=h Í÷Í1Í19×H¾https://www.facebook.com/DsmSo××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=g Í÷ÍÛÍ9×HÚ  http://www.iowanebraskanaacp.org××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=f Í÷ÍoÍ,9×H¿https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=e Í÷ÍÌº9×H¸http://ww.madeeasley.com××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=d Í÷ÌÁÌ´9×H¸http://www.vanesther.com××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=c Í÷kÌã9×H½http://www.iowajuneteenth.com××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=b &ÍEÍ@9×HÚ !https://www.facebook.com/ma.vs.73××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=a &ÍÃÍ29×HÚ  https://www.facebook.com/groups/××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=` &ÍWÍŠ9×HÚ )https://www.rootstobranchesgenealogy.com/××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=_ &ÌÕÍ±9×HÚ ,https://www.facebook.com/TranZitionsBeautySa××Ðˆ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=^ &bÍq9×HÚ )https://hiphopeinc.wixsite.com/hiphopeinc××Ðˆ×‰EÚ-Hip Hope, Inc
Bo James
https://hiphopeinc.wixsite.com/hiphopeinc
Tranzitions Salon & Beauty Bar
Ty Daye & Courtney
Beauty Salon
https://www.facebook.com/TranZitionsBeautySalon/
Roots
to Branches
Ricki King
https://www.rootstobranchesgenealogy.com/
Black Women 4 Healthy Living
Brandi Miller
Health
https://www.facebook.com/groups/
bw4hl/?ref=share
MAV Nu Direction
Calvetta Berry
https://www.facebook.com/ma.vs.73
Iowa Juneteenth Observance
Dwana Bradley
www.iowajuneteenth.com
Van Esther
Vanessa Lewis
www.vanesther.com
Made Easley Advertising
Ash Easley
ww.madeeasley.com
NAACP Des Moines Branch
Kameron Middlebrooks
https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/
NAACP Iowa/Nebraska Branch
Betty Andrews
www.iowanebraskanaacp.org
SoulFit
Zakiya English
https://www.facebook.com/DsmSo
www.imagezphotostudio.com
(515) 223-6122
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://oOW-eleSHlBTC_vB-nSSGKABk1l9a8SL9lyC4URHiaUÍNTÍ`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<®×‰EÚ	dAngela Jacksonâ€™s bio
Angela Jackson, Esq. is an
Entrepreneur and owner of The
Great Frame Up which is an Art
Gallery and Custom Framing
Business located in West Des
Moines. She also is Senior Vice
President of Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion at Athene USA
Corporation. Angela serves her
community as Board Member of
The West Des Moines Chamber,
Des Moines Arts Festival,
Cornerstone Family Church and
an Honorary Board Member for
Des Moines Performing Arts.
She is a member of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Des
Moines Chapter of the Links,
Incorporated. Angela is a Thought
Leader and alumni of Washington
University School of Law and
Duke University.
Gary Lawsonâ€™s Bio
Debra Carr Bio
Debra Carr serves
professionally and personally
as a champion for diversity,
inclusion, and equity. Uplifting
women and girls to become
the best version of themselves
is foundational. Debra is
Principal Consultant and
owner of Carr and Associates
and works full-time for Des
Moines Public Schools
consulting for building level
administrators, faculty,
and staff to achieve school
improvement goals. Debra
has received numerous
awards and is a champion for
her community in which she
has served for many years.
Gary Lawson is a freelance writer
who focuses on various aspects
of business and government.
He earned a graduate degree
in Government Administration,
and an undergraduate degree in
Business Administration with a
duel concentration in Management
and Marketing. He is a VietnamEra
veteran who has served as
a Commissioned Officer in the
United States Army. In addition,
he has taught business courses at
Drake University and Des Moines
Area Community College.
Celeste Lawsonâ€™s bio
Celeste Lawson is a freelance writer
who focuses on various aspects
of education and cultural diversity.
She earned a graduate degree in
Curriculum and Instruction, and an
undergraduate degree in Elementary
Education, with concentrations in
English and Language Arts. In addition,
she has more than 20 years of
classroom experience with teaching
students at the primary, secondary,
and post-secondary levels.
DeMarcus Hamilton bio
Marc Supreme is the program
director for the urban a/c radio
station, Strictly Hip Hop 90.7FM, in
Peoria, IL. He is also a freelance
journalist and commentator,
covering politics and entertainment.
Twitter & IG: @marc_supreme
Clubhouse: @marcsupreme
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 45
×`„h'7•<ûè<¯×`„h'7•<ûè<®ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍÀÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://VQqWSmCtiNvi8AevhozfHtMbWdrGxqYBQnpQcSMS_1UÎ ñŠÍ`ÍÍ°×‰	Ú 7cassandra://qycQRGI8So25f1sGY5RcOV2oWk5_h7Zwk3tnCD8vIXEÍ¿¡Í`Í§Íà×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ADW9ymGAT5CyPNc14JS8wZJLtYoi0ZJZ65rUSiPgy-UÍ:<Í`ÍjÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://aPeJJjeisiTO6lVAc8EqZb8YqlbIVVEVGue5PrsvW08ÍÙÕbÍ Í	ÑÍñ×`„h-7•<ûè=j”× ×`„h,7•<ûè=\ ÍÍ»/9×‰HÚ  http://www.imagezphotostudio.comG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h,7•<ûè=] ÍmÍÒÌÄ9×‰HÚ  http://www.imagezphotostudio.comG××ÒÔÔÔrÒïïïÌ× ×`„h-7•<ûè=n ÍRÍÍ9×HÚ  mailto:contactdsmurban@gmail.com××Ðˆ× ×`„h-7•<ûè=m ÍQÍ¡ÌÛ9×Hºhttp://www.theurbanexp.com××Ðˆ×‰EÚÈTerence G. Haynes is a Musician,
Neo Renaissance Artisan, writer,
30-year career Chef and currently
running for Omaha Nebraska City
Council District 2 North Omaha.
Lori A. Young Bio
He is a community advocate and
bridge builder, a motivational
strategist/coach with a passion for
people development and Diversity
and inclusion champion.
A strong faith and belief base
in Christ that furnishes a wellgrounded
ethical foundation. He
has a team building approach to
empowering individuals to believe in
and think for themselves.
He is a multi-faceted communicator,
dedicated to making a positive
difference in every life he touches.
Bert Moody is a Photographer, an IT
Consultant, and Web Designer for
the Urban Experience Magazine. He
has been with the magazine from
its inception.
He has been a Freelance
Photographer in the Des Moines
area since 1985, first with Esquire
Photo Agency and now with
Imagez Photo Studio (www.
imagezphotostudio.com). He
also is a longtime associate at
Nationwide Insurance as is a part
of their National Network of Black
Associates. Bert volunteers for
many activities in the community
and is a Board member with The
Des Moines Urban Experience.
Bert is married with three grown
children.
Lori A. Young is a native of Des
Moines and a graduate of Tech High
School and Grand View University.
Her professional experience lies in
corporate internal and marketing
communications. Currently she is
self-employed on assignment with
the non-profit organization, Just
Voices Iowa, as a Communications
Director and Project Manager. In
her spare time, sheâ€™s a feature
writer, artist, and community
organizer/social activist fighting
on issues such as racial,
environmental, and economic
justice for over 10 years.
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ADW9ymGAT5CyPNc14JS8wZJLtYoi0ZJZ65rUSiPgy-UÍ:<Í`ÍjÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<²×‰EÚÆCalling for
Submissions
The Urban
Experience
Magazine
Negus Sankofa Imhotepâ€™s Bio
Negus Sankofa Imhotep is the
Academic & Workforce Coordinator
at Urban Dreams and the Deferred
Expulsion Case Manager for Des
Moines Public Schools. In these
roles, he has connected several
of Central Iowaâ€™s top employers
with highly skilled untapped talent,
assisted hundreds of marginalized
central Iowans in securing gainful
employment, and successfully
advocated on behalf of more than
50 students who faced expulsion
from the Des Moines Public School
district.
Negus is also a sought-after orator
and community ally, having served
as an Executive Board Member
for the Iowa Human Rights Board,
a past Chair and Commissioner
of the Iowa Commission on the
Status of African Americans. In
2015, Negus launched Rudison
Consultancy Group, LLC to offer
cultural community network advising
and cultural competency training
to agencies and organizations
across the region. His commitment
to educating emerging leaders is
what led him to teaching positions at
Hawkeye Community College and
Joshua Christian Academy in 2013.
Negus holds a Bachelorâ€™s degree
in Liberal Arts with a concentration
in Political Science from Excelsior
College, a Masterâ€™s degree in
Public Administration from Norwich
University, and is currently writing
his dissertation for a Doctorate
in Business Administration with a
concentration in Human Resource
Management from Northcentral
University.
What are we looking for?
Poetry, Interviews, Short Stories, Comics,
Photography, Music & Performance Reviews, Opinion
pieces or whatever you are thinking!
When do we want it?
The deadline for all content is the 15th of each month.
What kind of writers do we like?
Experienced creative writers and those who have never
written before.
So what do YOU do?
Checkout the website at www.theurbanexp.com
Email your submissions to contactdsmurban@gmail.com,
and help us make each edition of the magazine great!
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 47
×`„h'7•<ûè<³×`„h'7•<ûè<²ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ecW6IwwKoJO1ZOy8AqdmIN1Uyg43BXM0kfgFI9Q7pU4Î ^8Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://-CNV5rvTz8QpimLju82-UIL4oVk1LzpY5inCWAwz-SwÍg¤Í`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://8iMhtJpK3py3SnOhO9rZevE_-CnpZRZiTJw4xZotL7wÍ&¨Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://kOHTIUmxrgY5CM3i4SjZg_tKADZTJF1nB0raEU728m0Î ÄÍ”Í ÍèÍñ×`„h-7•<ûè=o‘× ×`„h-7•<ûè=q Ì…ÍáÌü9×H¹http://www.broadlawns.org××Ðˆ×‰EÚBFOCUSED
ON YOUR VISI
Comprehensive eye exams
Wide selection of frames
and contact lenses
Diagnosis and treatment for
glaucoma, cataracts, and
other eye conditions
EYE CLINIC
MAIN CAMPUS
1801 Hickman Road
Des Moines, IA 50314
(515) 282-2362
EYE CLINIC
EAST UNIVERSITY
2508 East University
(515) 282-3278
www.broadlawns.org
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://8iMhtJpK3py3SnOhO9rZevE_-CnpZRZiTJw4xZotL7wÍ&¨Í`ÌµÍ ×`„h'7•<ûè<´×ˆE×`„h'7•<ûè<µ×`„h'7•<ûè<´ÍÀÍ{,»April Urban Experience 2021Ú àCheck out the April edition of the Urban Experience Magazine with a story on Seun Adedji the youngest Black Cannabis CEO written by Demarcus Hamilton. Share this with others and join our email club at joindsmurban@gmail.com ×`„h$‹±¢RAÉoj