×‰?×B!Ü ×‘C’×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://nCt5l16t1NhqQMzgjPcWx-jLAarCg89KUHFlhfRNoD0Î ‹æÍ`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://oK7zczTVFvU6HBJ_ZlQEqfRzq_i3G6qtvnSqQKvqsGUÍpXÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://-MsOd5fmN1WCRljoqnpz1E0YwHLYBEJNtFT19PEJwg4Í(»Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://GtfwEB5XdCU_LUMWSUbPg6Yos3aTGmaQBUAoQfM7jqwÎ *üÍðÍ ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðû<Dœh÷t†×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×ˆœ×   CNSvu  ×ˆE×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tZ×‰EÚ ùRuth Ann Gaines
Making Herstory
By James Mendez Contributions by
Mezekerta Tesfay
Inside
Interview with
Ms. Courageous Fire
Part 2
Arts & Music
Artist Feature:
Jill Wells
BluePrint
The 10 Warning Signs
of Alzheimerâ€™s and
Dementia
March 2021 ISSUE
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Editor-In-Chief
Dwana Bradley
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Virgina Smith
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Ash Easley
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09
14
15
Ruth Ann Gaines
Artist of the
Month
18
21
Blueprint
God our Provider
The 10 Warning
Signs of
Alzheimerâ€™s and
Dementia
26
28
Stop letting a sleep
disorder keep you
up at nightâ€¦
The Honorable Ross
Wilburn The first
Black Chair of the
Iowa Democratic
Party
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 5
Whatâ€™s
Inside?
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WOMEN MEAN
MORE TO ME
THAN YOU
WILL EVER
KNOW!
IF THERE WASNâ€™T YOU,
I WOULDNâ€™T EXIST
THE STRENGTH
OF YOU ALL RUN
THROUGH ME
HAPPY WOMENâ€™S
HISTORY MONTH
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^Advantages
of Buying
versus Renting
FINANCIAL FACTORS
Build Equity â€“ For most mortgages, monthly payments
include both principal and interest, with principal
representing your actual ownership of the home. Over
time, the principal portion of each monthly payment
increases, helping homeowners build equity faster.
Owners can also build equity by making smart
improvements, especially if the cost of the project boosts
your homeâ€™s resale value by more than what you invest in
the improvement.
Tax Benefits â€“ If you itemize your federal income tax
return, you can deduct property taxes and any mortgage
interest paid during the tax year. You may also be able to
take advantage of other local, state or federal incentives,
such as home improvements that qualify for an energy
tax credit.
Potential Rental Income â€“ At some point, you may decide
to convert your home into an investment property by
leasing out some or all of your space. (For example, keep
your first home for rental income when you decide to move
to larger quarters.) Just be sure to investigate local rental
property laws first.
Capmbel l
You r DM I Realto r
P O BO X 2643
D se Moinse , AI 61305
Penoh :
â€œIâ€™ m you r ARBÂ®
waDn
515-084- 8350
Dawn@DMIeralrot.co m
www.dmieralrot.co m
â€
Deciding to buy a home is a highly personal choice that involves weighing numerous financial
factors and individual preferences. While renting may be easier on your budget and provide
more flexibility to relocate for new work opportunities, there are a number of strong reasons to
purchase a home, including:
SUBJECTIVE CONSIDERATIONS
Creative Freedom â€“ Your home is your space, and you can
do whatever you want with it, just be mindful of zoning
violations. Paint the walls, add a deck, create a workshop
for your favorite hobbies, etc. When you own a home,
youâ€™re only limited by your imagination.
Privacy â€“ In contrast to sharing space with roommates
or other family members, owning a home provides a
private â€œsanctuary.â€ Even if youâ€™ve been renting your own
apartment space, you may be craving a retreat from noisy
(or nosey) neighbors.
Sense of Belonging â€“ Buying a home involves a larger,
longer-term commitment (than renting) that often extends
beyond a house into a community, opening the door to
participation in local events, meeting and supporting
neighbors, and building deeper friendships.
The Accredited Buyerâ€™s Representative (ABRÂ®
Agent Council (REBAC), a subsidiary of the National Association of REALTORSÂ®
) designation is awarded by the Real Estate Buyerâ€™s
(NAR).
To learn more about REBAC and access various homebuyer resources, please visit REBAC.net.
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AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS
ARTIST FEATURE:
CELEBRATES 15 YEARS & SUPPORTS BLACK, AFRICAN
AMERICAN AND AFRICAN ARTISTS MARCH
FEATURE: Jill Wells
Written by Angela Jackson
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 9
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Moines is dedicated to supporting local artists and creating awareness of noted African American artists. This
month we introduce our readers to Jill Wells â€”a local painter celebrated for her paintings, public art and murals.
â€œI really gravitate towards
situations that deal with struggle,
. . . I can work through what Iâ€™m
going through, and I can help
someone else work through
things as well. It lets you have the
conversation you were never able
to have or didnâ€™t feel comfortable
having.â€
- Jill Wells
Jill Wells is a Des Moines - based artist with prints
available at The Great Frame Up. Most known
for her murals and art therapy she enjoys large
scale work as a way of conducting a public healing
exercise. Her selections of subjects are sometimes
personal and sometimes historical. She did a series
that featured some of the iconic pioneers in African
American history to add her voice to the public
narrative.
Her earlier work evokes a melodic feeling when
viewing the painted portraits. Sometimes mixed
media is used in her artwork. She has one of a
young girl dressed in pink working in a field of
copper pennies.
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zEducation
Jill Wells was born in Indianola, Iowa. She graduated from
Drake University where she received her B.F.A in painting
in 2005. Over the past 12 years she has been creating
public and private murals across Iowa, Arizona and New
Orleans.
In an article by Tiffany Westrom from the Ames Tribune
she describes some of Jill Wells earlier artwork entitled
â€œThe Cotton Memoirsâ€ â€“ â€œunexpected billowing swipes of
paint characterize canvases that depict the dark scenes of
slave labor.â€ Jill said that the children in the pictures caught
her attention first and foremost. Jill Wells shared that
â€œOne of the pictures used to make me cry, the shadow of
the darkened eyes was just extremely compelling.â€ â€œThe
Cotton Memoirs,â€ included large painted canvas and small
pencil drawings that contained replicas of old black and
white photographs illuminated by color. She stylized the
images, instead of wearing traditional farm clothes, the
children wear special garb.
One is depicted in a graduation gown, another a judicial
robe â€” all for the purpose of giving the audience
more clues so that they might do their own research. â€œI
stressed the palette,â€ she said. â€œThey were black and
white originally, but color provides a soothing luxury for a
situation that was extremely difficult.â€
Wells grew up in Iowa and was aware of the lack of
diversity in her community. When she began attending
Drake University, it became clear that one day each year
during black history month was not nearly enough to
understand her history. â€œThe Cotton Memoirsâ€ began as her
thesis in 2003 and continued on for years as she added to
the collection.
For her, these pieces became a way to talk about tough
things and to start the conversations that people are afraid
to have. Wells continues to use art to proclaim a humbling
past and real pain paired with enduring hope.
As a result of the social unrest do the murder of George Floyd and
others, she co-hosted several virtual conversations with artists in
2020. Jill recently participated in the first artist co-hort at Mainframe
Studios. She is currently one of the local professional artists selected
for the Arts Inc. hosted by the Des Moines Art Festival.
Professional Accomplishments - Gallery ExhibitionsHeritage
Gallery: CIML 1999; Des Moines Art Center: Ice Cream Social group
exhibit 2003; The Great Frame Up: Solo exhibits 2005-2013; Iowa State
University Multicultural Center: Solo exhibit 2013.
Community Projects - Murals Creative Visions 1999 â€œRunning Out
of Timeâ€ (65â€™ x 11â€™); The Blank Park Zoo 2006 â€œUnder The Seaâ€ (62â€™
x 9â€™); YMCA Walnut Creek 2006 Pool Mural (76â€™ x 17â€™); Iowa Lutheran
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://b9-av1hdVT4YxzM4BXvicidsIRueBoTfhfID6z6UnRoÍ&çÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷te×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tdÍÀÍ{×‘C’×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Z1OoqxElQXKH_FSkQI0eMnsi3H_rVo0w6NLSFLx7lC8Î ÅÍ`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://lmfXrFKPfmCrGSgsagsdTiR_UoYW9Hgg3AT3mid9gjUÍˆÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://XD1Utu_y0ROrB5lJqd9Cb3hix8J2fU1VxJCqsObarDQÍ*Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://5yZVCOiW5ELh32qGFp4DLrAULO4HgGHRjP8jfam8vWsÎ ¿üVÍ ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t¡×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://m-aH8Qi9RKVq6GKOQxUfHYehQ8BTRJb0FjBTtyhmKRwÎ ‰gÍ`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://PIP9nttC20t2zwiq4ExJnEnbqFBvaGnDPvDBhN7rsE0Í„½Í`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://31UA_ZQNWuzFqCsP1ZR8E0TtIpJWeMKFc4VbObkDyw0Í.±Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://sydScU85-1SI6hp3KLfU7ps7iHltnOWLJJwIW_Ych40Î T^Í ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t¢”× ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t§ ÍÍèÌ¢9×H¹http://www.pinterest.com/××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t¦ ÍùÍÒÌÛ9×HÚ  http://facebook.com/tgfuwdmiowa.××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t¥ ÍùÍ¾Ì£9×Hºhttp://thegreatframeup.com××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t¤ &ÍŠÌ›9×H»http://www.jillwellsart.com××Ðˆ×‰EÚ¿Hospital 2007 Childrenâ€™s Health & Science Unit (220â€™ x 12â€™);
Warren County Conservation Center Annette Nature Center
2012 Prairie Mural (17â€™ x 10â€™); St. Gregoryâ€™s Retreat 2012
â€œSunflowerâ€ (10â€™ x 3â€™) â€œ Valorâ€ (7â€™ x 12â€™); Disabilities Rights
Mural . . . . .Credits: Ames Tribune by Tiffany Westrom &
www.jillwellsart.com
About The Great Frame Up
Founded in 1972, The Great Frame Up, Inc. is an
established, nationally-known custom picture framer,
offering more than 1,000 custom frames, mat styles, ready
to hang framed art and local artwork. Treasured keepsakes
and collectible art are preserved. All custom framing is
done on site.
The West Des Moines location of The Great Frame Up
opened in 2005 at 5515 Mills Civic Parkway in West Glen
and is open Monday - Saturday 10- 5pm.
The Great Frame Up currently features originals, prints,
sculptures and framed artwork of numerous African
American and Iowa artists in the gallery. To view some
of the prior artists featured visit www.westdesmoines.
thegreatframeup.com and like our Facebook page at www.
facebook.com/tgfuwdmiowa. Please follow us on Instagram
@thegreatframeup_wdm, Pinterest www.pinterest.com/
tgfuwdm and Twitter @tgfuwdm.
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://XD1Utu_y0ROrB5lJqd9Cb3hix8J2fU1VxJCqsObarDQÍ*Í`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tf×‰E×‰	Ú 7cassandra://31UA_ZQNWuzFqCsP1ZR8E0TtIpJWeMKFc4VbObkDyw0Í.±Í`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tg×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tfÍÀÍ{×‘C’×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://d1_dFbRWergh5LbuwHbTcdGbNcLj_8PdmNOJ20zjn1AÎ %yÍ`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://SA5ykM2RaAh-zEkhJAWBjwpgK6PYk-rbOWgeJvdaGUIÍx@Í`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://z77O2ymRniZg30wzHtGe5WweaSVYTxBtqXDEePe_NoAÍ%æÍ`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://_dJfRDaquDytdicXSF-Ct6EqfeKZ2SbBG3RT__BcDaAÎ l@Í ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t¨×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://P7TnWgTn6_34InKsCDw7ze4sMRgIWgOzWoLdL38Ajp8Î %±Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://S36GTEx-Fyr2K8l0-WraZSzc1HAOzWzWqTuHD32Tk9AÍ`2Í`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://iqanwo8CmRxQXXk4QxcPkFdV7AZfpPFp8FPKWMo8y20Í#+Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://YqRnwB5_odyOvowtJ02RpzLptvzLDA8VX5Ky33Kr3-sÎ æã(Í ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t©‘× ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t¬ ÍŽÍmi9×H°http://gmail.com××Ðˆ×‰EÚËby Donnetta Austin
Lord this season may we
look to you to intercede
on behalf of those who
are feeling depleted. The
thought of trying to figure
out where to turn to ,
or go from here next is
overwhelming and quite
frankly stressful.
Take the fear of what is
hindering us to having
your way in our lives. Help
us to have self-discipline,
courage, and be willing
or open to experiencing a
relationship full of life with
you. May the abundance of
your grace and mercy along
with your captivating love
endure within us forever.
As we make our request
known to you Lord, may
you provide the peace that
surpasses all understanding.
We are reminded
in the Bible
scripture Matthew
6:25-34 â€œDo
not worryâ€ and
Philippians 4:68
â€œBe anxious for
nothingâ€.
You have not given us a
heart of fear but of power,
love, and a sound mind.
Lord you are the source of
our lives and the solution
to all of our problems we
face. May we continue to
meditate on your word as
it will enlighten us, have an
attentive and listening ear,
remain obedient, and trust
in you.
As we will continue to
always give you the praise
and glorify your holy name.
By: Author Donnetta Austin
Email:
be.encouragedbyone@
gmail.com
Book on Amazon: Never
Retire God
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://z77O2ymRniZg30wzHtGe5WweaSVYTxBtqXDEePe_NoAÍ%æÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷th×‰EÚ ~Ruth Ann
Gaines Accepts
â€œUncommon
Public Serviceâ€
Award in
Uncommon Way
By James Mendez Contributions
by Mezekerta Tesfay
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://iqanwo8CmRxQXXk4QxcPkFdV7AZfpPFp8FPKWMo8y20Í#+Í`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷ti×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷thÍÀÍ{×‘C’×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://QU5PwPMjisstnxtN0FTgzUokwe3PtlvbBrCuWq4-o8wÎ w-Í` Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Fo8ZbVPsm2o8wRkqxfb2zJZQCdS49SuR2BIysRa32uYÍ îÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://bODtKJOMZ86cX5SFMbBkfqNEmMkajipbr3wgtulMYJ0Í(¾Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://JH8Md4BYjtu0J8xQ_oprAlnte4Jo_SWJlsBsfbhgysQÍ1Í ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t­×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Fed9rELKI8SUvW0KSXYTJpKAux47LlYJI6Uct0hyo-0Î ·qÍ`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://rR8-4rCxnKHccrP3HGRVNCQjBzk0-6kJ2jMBoLyckhgÍ€BÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://DpuBg1whxDCHq66WdY5nAZt1F3MeYJhW1xrWVy0a4l8Í-ÖÍ`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://5e-HKfvLv3ghzXP8MyKRjLR7C2oln7MR8DLuMnqSjXEÎ 
IOÍ	~Í ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t®‘× ×`¥Ðþ<Dœh÷t´ ÍäÍ$Ì¥9×H·http://drake.edu/bright××Ðˆ×‰EÚÍState Representative Ruth Ann Gaines became
the second Black person to accept the Herbert
Hoover Uncommon Public Service Award at the
beginning of this year.
The â€œUncommon Public Service Awardâ€ is
presented annually to one State Senator and one
State Representative. The honor was created by
the Herbert Hoover Presidential Foundation in
West Branch, Iowa. According to their website, the
award is given to Iowa legislators who have
â€œdemonstrated uncommon service to the people of
Iowa above and beyond their legislative
responsibilities.â€
Representative Gaines accepted the award on 13
January 2021, in a ceremony held during the
first week of session. State Representative Bobby
Kaufman, who has presented many former
recipients with the award, opened the ceremony by
highlighting Gainesâ€™ accomplishments.
â€œGiving this award is
particularly special for
me, because weâ€™ve be
friends for over half a
decade,â€ said
Representative Kaufman,
â€œand I can think of no one
in this chamber more
deserving of this award.â€
Continuing through his introduction, Kaufman also
shared some highlights from Rep. Gainesâ€™
career. â€œShe has been recognized as teacher of
the year many times by many organizations, she
was the first recipient of the Heritage legacy
award, and most recently named as the BHM
Honorees by Bankerâ€™s Trust,â€ said Representative
Kaufman, speaking to the Iowa House of
Representativeâ€™s chamber.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Foundation
usually does not inform recipients of the
Uncommon Public Service Award before the
presentation ceremony.
However, due the COVID19 pandemic, the award
presentation for 2020 was rescheduled, and
Gaines was informed of her win in June 2020.
â€œUnlike other recipients of this very prestigious
award, Iâ€™ve known about it... since the middle of
June, in fact, and Iâ€™ve waited for this date for about
6 months,â€ said Representative Ruth Ann
Gaines. â€œI want to thank Rep. Kaufman and
President Jerry Fleagle of the Hoover Foundation
for making arrangements for me to receive this
award today.â€
A lifelong educator, Gaines acknowledged some of
the milestones that lead her to this award.
â€œOn January 5th, [that] was my 50th anniversary of
classroom teaching,â€ Gaines said, â€œand as I
thought about it, I realized that my teaching
experience laid the foundation for being a
legislator.â€
â€œWorking all those years with so many different
kinds of people and families, gave me a keen
insight to the human condition, and allowed me to
develop the qualities of compassion,
empathy, and respect for others.â€
Gaines is a veteran and highly decorated educator.
Starting work as a teacher in 1971 at both
East High School and Des Moines area community
college, Gaines taught at East High School for
40 years before retiring to serve as a legislator and
continues to teach at DMACC today. During
her tenure, she received numerous awards for her
teaching. She was the 1997 Rotary High
School Teacher of the Year, the 1998 Iowa
Teacher of the Year, and a 1999 Finalist for
National Teacher of the Year.
Gaines is also a highly respected leader in the Des
Moines community. She founded the Sisters
for Success organization at East High School, a
group dedicated to helping students of color in
Des Moines. She has served as the Des Moines
Human Rights Commissioner, is credited with
reinstating the Friends of Des Moines Human
Rights Committee. She has also served on
numerous boards under Governorâ€™s Vilsak and
Culver. More recently, she co-founded and is the
current Vice President of the Iowa Legislative
Black Caucus.
On her achievements and merits for the
Uncommon Public Service Award, Kaufman said
â€œthe list of her public achievements is very longâ€¦
and [we] agree that her heart is focused on
Iowans.â€
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://bODtKJOMZ86cX5SFMbBkfqNEmMkajipbr3wgtulMYJ0Í(¾Í`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tj×‰EÚŒGainesâ€™ acceptance of the Hoover Uncommon Public Service award makes her only the second Black,
woman to win the honor.
Helen Miller, a former Iowa State Representative from Fort Dodge, became the first Black person to win
the award in March 2015.
The 2020 Herbert Hoover Presidential Foundationâ€™s Uncommon Public Service Award Senate recipient
was Senator Brad Zaun, President Pro Tempore and Chair of the Judiciary in the Iowa
Senate.
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
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://DpuBg1whxDCHq66WdY5nAZt1F3MeYJhW1xrWVy0a4l8Í-ÖÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tk×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tjÍÀÍ{×‘C’×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Hw5ZZtqbNAWFUqSMq5lD8WajYsThFC6rdhEl2k1YDs4Î &Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://mX8KZaOLyYBRJfvnh6qtMq77L93a14pvlLB1gqy_eiUÍu_Í`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://xXtmLTNDADXRikJhc28d6ucUH2pAP_jtW32Qaiu32jwÍ%IÍ`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://9m24WM3ux_3tfMLDEea2zUT_LIl8xyGDFXO3A7HEpC8Í[µHÍ ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðý<Dœh÷t°×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://OdoVp-cviiXeuSHfr7ZtLEirC4HTHSGtUEhuN-RVQa4Î "¾Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ganS2nrRSE7XHKdjgTr9DebPBcI7yC3eUmjWYaR-U_gÍ„Í`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://aUUGNN2vmurWHLg1J1agxdLvnh5EGf4P782lrP-H7fYÍ*Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://FntF16_ZCvHEfbKsMBzm1rLbwCu7EZHyDAMiixW7i4oÍ‡ý<Í ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðþ<Dœh÷t±×‰EÚ³By Terence Haynes
My Kinetic DNA is magnetic thatâ€™s why they are drawn to
govern over my existence.We canâ€™t be it, but letâ€™s control it.
They couldnâ€™t buy it, so they stole it and stripped it down to its
very core.
Then dispersed it and renamed it, prostituted and defamed it
and turned it on its self for self-control.
For a title and a few cents, we can pit them, cause theyâ€™ll lose
sense, sensibility, sense of worth, sense of placement on this
earth. Since weâ€™re at it let erase their race and race against
time and set a pace in this race to have them race in their
minds. While their minds race lets erase the finish line so they
will never think about the end being near.
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://xXtmLTNDADXRikJhc28d6ucUH2pAP_jtW32Qaiu32jwÍ%IÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tl×‰EÚ[Theyâ€™ll just exist for the here and exist for
the now and exist for the oohh and exist
for the wow and the things that are shiny
and the things that are loud. Exist for the
fortune, exist for the fame, exist for the day
someoneâ€™s calling your name asking for an
autograph, while they have autographed
and integrated everything about you and in
you into everything that surrounds you, but
then you canâ€™t have it, you canâ€™t touch it, you
get no credit for it, but it all came from you.
You just had no clue that all these things the
blueprint of YOU!
~T.Haynes 2021
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 19
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Alzheimerâ€™s and Dementia
By: Lauren Livingston â€“ The Alzheimerâ€™s Association
encourages families to know the 10 warning signs
of Alzheimerâ€™s and dementia. If you know the signs,
youâ€™ll be able to get treatment sooner, which can help
provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain
independence longer.
Unfortunately, African Americans are two times
more likely to develop Alzheimerâ€™s than older
white Americans and are more likely to be
diagnosed in the later stages of the disease.
There is also evidence that missed diagnoses
of Alzheimerâ€™s and dementia are more common
among older African Americans than among older
whites. Missed or delays in diagnosis mean that
you or your loved ones are not getting treatments
when they are most likely to be effective at
improving quality of life.
Alzheimerâ€™s is a brain disease that causes a
slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning
skills. If you notice any of the 10 warning signs in
yourself or a family member, donâ€™t ignore them.
Speak up, and encourage your loved one to
schedule a visit with their doctor.
These are the 10 warning signs, and you can learn
more by visiting alz.org/10signs:
1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of
the most common signs of Alzheimerâ€™s disease,
especially in the early stage, is forgetting
recently learned information. Others include
forgetting important dates or events, asking
for the same questions over and over, and
increasingly needing to rely on memory aids
(e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or
family members for things they used to handle
on their own.
2. Challenges in planning or solving problems.
Some people living with dementia may
experience changes in their ability to develop
and follow a plan or work with numbers. They
may have trouble following a familiar recipe or
keeping track of monthly bills.
They may have difficulty concentrating and take
much longer to do things than they did before.
3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks. People
with Alzheimerâ€™s often find it hard to complete
daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble
driving to a familiar location, organizing a
grocery list or remembering the rules of a
favorite game.
4. Confusion with time or place. People living
with Alzheimerâ€™s can lose track of dates,
seasons and the passage of time. They may
have trouble understanding something if it is not
happening immediately. Sometimes they may
forget where they are or how they got there.
5. Trouble understanding visual images and
spatial relations. For some people, having
vision problems is a sign of Alzheimerâ€™s. This
may lead to difficulty with balance or trouble
reading. They may also have problems judging
distance and determining color or contrast,
causing issues with driving.
6. New problems with words in speaking or
writing. People living with Alzheimerâ€™s may
have trouble following or joining a conversation.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 21
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äÍ ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðþ<Dœh÷t¹×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://cKXURIS1c7tAZoNzgfQJcebHySrpY29e5Mxs38XhE-UÎ ÆkÍ`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://c0GU_dzyap-vOu3WKKO0IlYd-iZ1_qOj7-9xmwIIApgÍQYÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://E7gJLYs_lo-Z_QlNZRQF33bPIImDnR91K4bkokCCBaIÍ&Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Qnqvd9bGn0vU1G7b8B2wfybbqoVNQrvQmHRAPWD_U6EÍšÆ$Í ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðþ<Dœh÷tº’× ×`¥Ðþ<Dœh÷t½ ÍEÍ«ÍB9×H½http://DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORG××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ðþ<Dœh÷t¼ Í‘ÍMÌò9×H´http://ARTCENTER.ORG××Ðˆ×‰EÚŽThey may stop in the middle of a
conversation and have no idea
how to continue or they may repeat
themselves. They may struggle with
vocabulary, have trouble naming a
familiar object or use the wrong name
(e.g., calling a â€œwatchâ€ a â€œhand-clockâ€).
7. Misplacing things and losing the
ability to retrace steps. A person living
with Alzheimerâ€™s disease may put things
in unusual places. They may lose things
and be unable to go back over their
steps to find them again. He or she may
accuse others of stealing, especially as
the disease progresses.
8. Decreased or poor judgement.
Individuals may experience changes
in judgment or decision-making. For
example, they may use poor judgment
when dealing with money or pay less
attention to grooming or keeping
themselves clean.
9. Withdrawal from work or social
activities. A person living with
Alzheimerâ€™s disease may experience
changes in the ability to hold or follow a
conversation. As a result, he or she may
withdraw from hobbies, social activities
or other engagements. They may have
trouble keeping up with a favorite team
or activity.
10. Changes in mood and personality.
Individuals living with Alzheimerâ€™s
may experience mood and personality
changes. They can become confused,
suspicious, depressed, fearful or
anxious. They may be easily upset at
home, with friends or when out of their
comfort zone.
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
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://phzPfzCl2qfjQJkhrhZoV0HG9ai6SwTHelvxjTTfS2MÍ+ºÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tp×‰E¿The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 23
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H
What would cross your mind in a life-threatening situation?
ow much life insurance is enough?
Whatever that magical amount is, Christy
Jeffreys and her husband, Paul, knew they didnâ€™t
have it. Sure, they had a little â€“ enough to pay for
a burial â€“ but not enough to sustain their family
if something were to happen. That concerned
them. So they sat down and did some calculations.
Outstanding loans. Loss of income. The cost of raising their
three children without hardship. They ran the numbers with their
Modern Woodmen representative, Dannielle Roberts, and came
to an amount that seemed to fit. Dannielle got everything set up,
and like that, the life insurance was put in place.
End of story, right?
Not quite. Christy shares the rest of the story here.
AFTER THE CRASH
by member Christy Jeffreys, Detroit, Ala.
Aug. 28, 2015. My itinerary for the day: work, our daughterâ€™s
guitar lesson, a Friday night football game and, finally, rest for
the weekend. But life doesnâ€™t always follow our itinerary.
Our two daughters (Carley Ann, age 11, and Anna Beth, age
9) and I were heading home after Carley Annâ€™s guitar practice,
driving down a small gravel road. About a mile and a half from
home, one of my tires hit loose gravel.
I lost control of the car. There was no reaction time.
The car shot across the road and hit a grove of trees. My
9-year-old daughter, who fractured her arm in the crash, pulled
Carley Ann and me out of the car and tended to our injuries.
I knew I was badly hurt. Disoriented and scared, for a
moment I didnâ€™t know if I would survive. And in that moment, I
thought of my family.
After the crash, Modern Woodmen representative Dannielle Roberts reminded
the Jeffreys of their fraternal member benefits. The family qualified for the
Fraternal Aid Fund, a member benefit that offers financial assistance for
premium payments for Modern Woodmen members whoâ€™ve experienced
financial hardship due to a natural disaster or serious health problem.
What would happen to them if I didnâ€™t make it? Could my
husband raise the kids alone with his travel-heavy job? I thought
of everything I would miss: school assignments, proms, college
visits, weddings.
â€œ And in that
moment,
I thought of
my family.â€
â€“ Christy Jeffreys, Detroit, Ala.
1 in 4 people
feels he/she
needs more
life insurance
protection.
Source: 2016 Insurance
Barometer Study, LIMRA.
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://GM6204FDB99RaBX5QHsT-KDx8ZC4hV9JMhTTuo0E0ZMÍ sÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tr×‰EÚ¢My fears then turned from the sentimental to the financial. How could
Paul afford it by himself?
Just as quickly, my worries eased. I thought of the extra life insurance
we had gotten and knew our family would suffer no financial hardship, no
matter what happened.
You may not think things like this come up in a moment of panic, but
they do. Theyâ€™ll sneak into your head whether you want them to or not.
As we made sense of the situation, that flash of relief was priceless.
What thoughts would cross your mind?
The support Christy received didnâ€™t stop there. Christy is an elementary
school teacher. A former student of hers coordinated a T-shirt sale
fundraiser to help the family with medical bills. Local Modern Woodmen
chapter members showed their support by purchasing T-shirts and
matching money raised through the Matching Fund Program.
Christyâ€™s daughter, Carley Ann, needed hospital care for 21 days,
putting strain on their finances. Modern Woodmen covered the familyâ€™s
life insurance premiums for three months through the Fraternal Aid
Fund, ensuring the much-needed protection stayed in force.
So how much life insurance is enough? Enough to ease the thoughts
you never expect to have.
Questions?
Contact your local Modern Woodmen
of America representative:
Kelly C. King, FIC
Suite 305
4150 Westown Parkway
Des Moines, IA 50266
B 515-238-3208
kelly.c.king@mwarep.org
Registered representative. Securities offered through MWA Financial Services
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America. Member:
FINRA, SIPC.
Christy Jeffreysâ€™ mind was put
at ease shortly after a major car
accident. If she didnâ€™t make it, she
knew her family would suffer no
financial hardship.
â€œWe made sure our life insurance
would pay all outstanding
loans immediately, not to mention
funeral expenses and money
left over to help raise the kids
on one income,â€ Christy says. â€œI
cannot tell you the relief you feel
when you realize your family is
secure.â€
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.
P 8953-53-C
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 25
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://vQdwOtIiM0CXjcLMGodH1y8rUqGtqZQ6CMyVwJhEQAAÍèÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷ts×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷trÍÀÍ{×‘C’×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://l12kmOntvydXEyRGzqh8M_6lgx6b1S40yQf6Tj5layoÎ c:Í` Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://qLCPoqcMbwMbqFKNHCRAwQCoTvAoWK-jJrhTtkVEPpcÍzÒÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Q9UzjsyB08H9I-xGsX6CYQXjvCGzf9Z_Rb4kToWLlmwÍ%>Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://JE7YjfD2nQHzuSRa8hmb5a_neQmOH633q6WNrOc07CYÍ}“$Í ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðÿ<Dœh÷tÂ×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://OofBD-864JWArn3m1JTyixslKkwJXwZ8ST-uLkCb5oMÎ ¸^Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://o2W9OYUFt5Uw_96Dk5XnpYDaea-XTyf7GzTdwjZufT4ÍaÐÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://O2SN4h0KCaN_gfb9abNgq2SbGjYUJKmo86Mb8fCr6KAÍ ßÍ`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://UQIXxz6kerHVBhVYgQS8gkks5wDHGmDhtxrShnL-7BYÎ ž!PÍ ÍèÍñ×`¥Ðÿ<Dœh÷tÃ‘× ×`¥Ðÿ<Dœh÷tÆ ÍñÍõx9×Hµhttp://broadlawns.org××Ðˆ×‰EÚEStop letting a sleep
disorder keep you up
at nightâ€¦
By: Rebecca Purnell, PA-C Broadlawns Sleep, Lung, and Allergy Center
Each night millions of people in the U.S. struggle to fall
asleep or stay asleep. The American Academy of Sleep
Medicine found that 10% of adults in the U.S. have a chronic
insomnia disorder (i.e. problems with sleep a minimum of
three nights per week for three months or longer). Unfortunately,
sleep disorders have worsened this year due to
individuals struggling with anxiety and uncertainty during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Sleep Foundationâ€™s annual Sleep Awareness
Week is March 14-20, 2021. This annual event celebrates
sleep health and encourages the public to prioritize sleep to
improve their overall health and well-being. Sleep Awareness
Week begins during Daylight Saving Time and is a great
opportunity to make positive changes to improve your sleep
health.
One way to improve your sleep is to practice good sleep
hygiene. Some sleep hygiene tips include:
- Make sleep a priority
- Go to bed when you are sleepy
- Maintain a comfortable cool bedroom temperature
and minimize exposure to noise and light
- Avoid computer and cellphone screens within 2
hours of bedtime (or use blue-blocker glasses)
- Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, or alcohol before bedtime
-
Exercise regularly, but not 2 hours before bedtime
- Try physical/mental relaxation techniques
- Avoid late afternoon or evening naps
-
Establish a regular wake time schedule
If you have tried to improve your sleep hygiene, but are still
struggling with getting good nightâ€™s sleep, you may have a
sleep disorder. Often, the symptoms and signs of a sleep disorders
are misdiagnosed. A quick way to assess whether you
may have a disorder is to answer the questions below. If you
answer â€œyesâ€ to any question, this may be an indicator that
you have a sleep disorder.
â€¢
â€¢
â€¢
â€¢
â€¢
â€¢
â€¢
Have you been told by a friend or family member
that you snore?
Do you often feel tired or have headaches upon
awakening?
Do you have daytime fatigue or sleepiness?
Have you been told you stop breathing during
sleep?
Do you fall asleep sitting, reading, watching TV
or driving?
Do you have issues with memory or concentration?
Do
you have hypertension, weight gain, heart
issues?
Common sleep disorders include: obstructive sleep apnea,
snoring, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, sleepwalking,
central sleep apnea, nightmare disorders, sleepwalking,
teeth grinding, sleep-wake cycle disruptions.
Living with a sleep disorder can negatively impact other
areas of your health. If left untreated, sleep disorders can
cause heart problems, obesity, hypertension, and memory
issues. The good news is that sleep disorders can be treated,
and often without the use of prescription medicine. Cpap
and bipap machines, improved sleep hygiene, alternative
medicine, and mental health counseling are often solutions
for sleep disorders.
Broadlawns Sleep, Lung, and Allergy Center is here to help.
Our team of providers, certified in both adult and pediatric
sleep medicine, are able to diagnose your sleep disorder and
improve your sleep.
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Q9UzjsyB08H9I-xGsX6CYQXjvCGzf9Z_Rb4kToWLlmwÍ%>Í`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tt×‰EÚuOne common first step to securing restful sleep is participating
in a sleep study. This would require you to use a home sleep
study device, or to stay overnight in the sleep clinic, while data
is collected to help develop a diagnosis and treatment plan. A
sleep study is the best way to test for sleep disorders, such as
sleep apnea or narcolepsy.
Broadlawns also offers a clinical sleep training program where
a licensed therapist will help improve your sleep through exploration
of thoughts and beliefs about sleep, lifestyle habits
that may be working against you, and relaxation practices.
To stop letting a sleep disorder keep you up at night and start
getting a more restful night of sleep, contact the Broadlawns
Sleep, Lung, and Allergy Center at 515-282-4015. Specialized
treatment from sleep medicine professionals can improve
your sleep, increase your energy, and change your life.
The Broadlawns Sleep, Lung, and Allergy Center is conveniently
located in the Des Moines metro on Broadlawnsâ€™ Main
Campus at 1801 Hickman Road. To learn more, visit www.
broadlawns.org. All insurances are accepted.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 27
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Ross Wilburn
The first
Black Chair
of the Iowa
Democratic
Party
by Celeste and Gary Lawson
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://8zMgPqtYAfiijirzPJj_s_AdUmt3vMCgZwYVmDi20CAÍ+Í`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tv×‰EÚHRep. Ross Wilburn is a native of
Davenport and graduated from
Davenport Central High School. He
served in the Iowa Army National
Guard while attending the University
of Iowa and earned a degree in
social work.
Wilburn is currently the State
Representative in District 46, which
covers part of Ames and Story
County. He has also served on the
city council and as Mayor of Iowa
City.
In addition to serving as a lawmaker,
Wilburn is the diversity officer and
associate director for community
economic development at Iowa
State University Extension and
Outreach. He is also a member
of the Iowa Legislatureâ€™s Black
Caucus.â€”â€”Note: As posted on the
Iowa Democratic Party website on
March 9. 2021.
Celeste: Across the United States,
metastatic breast cancer is a deadly
disease. In Iowa, African American
women have the highest death
rates, followed by white women
living in rural areas. Being someone,
whose mother died from metastatic
breast cancer, I have not only
reported the deadly impact of this
disease, but I have also advocated
for legislative action to amplify the
need for more public awareness and
engagement to address this deadly
disease.
I have worked with several state
legislators to initiate the process
which ended with a first step
move toward that end by delivering
a proclamation, signed by Governor
Kim Reynolds, designating October
13, 2020, as Metastatic Breast
Cancer Awareness Day in Iowa.
Celeste: What action can the Iowa
Democratic Party take to address
this deadly disease going forward?
Wilburn: Well first, I am very
glad that you helped put that
proclamation into play. So, I think it
is important to make those types of
commitments and statements, but
we need to go beyond the
proclamation. The Democratic Party
is trying to introduce bills that are
related to healthcare, especially
those that disproportionately impact
communities of color...Black/ African
American women.
Itâ€™s critical that we not just live by
words in a proclamation. As the
Democratic Party, we are trying to
introduce those bills, but in a similar
vein, Governor (Kim) Reynolds and
the Iowa Congressional Delegation
oppose the American Rescue Plan...
which is related to coronavirus
recovery...but that is another
science-based pandemic response...
so we need to be listening to science
and we need to focus our efforts
and appropriate funding towards
that.
Democrats are in the minority right
now, so weâ€™ve got to start organizing
now to get candidates to run against
House and Senate Republicans,
and to take on Governor Reynolds,
so that we are not only protecting
Iowans...communities of color...
from these devastating diseases.
I have a sister who is a survivor of
breast cancer. The resources that
went towards supporting her, both
in terms of research as well as
believing the science and supporting
the universities to deliver those
services, is critical. There has
been an outright effort during this
legislative session to negatively
impact the Regent institutions,
particularly the University of Iowa...
which has the University of Iowa
Hospital and Clinics...they are
trying to take away tenure, which
would have a devastating effect on
recruiting talented faculty...not only
from the state, but from the country
and around the world.
Celeste: Currently, Iowaâ€™s executive
branch (Governor) and legislative
branch (Senate and House of
Representatives) are controlled by
the Republican Party. What will the
Iowa Democratic Party have to do
to regain political control of the
executive and legislative branches,
and what specific outreach is
needed to gain the majority vote of
women and minorities?
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 29
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Party needs to start organizing
year-round, as opposed to every
couple of years when a coordinated
campaign comes related to the
statewide and national elections.
We need to identify candidates
at the local level...and support
candidates at the local level... for
an opportunity at leadership. To
fundraise...so that they can hire staff
to do that year-round organizing...
to get some field organizers out
and identify some of those leaders.
Right now, our First Vice Chair,
June Owens, has been reaching
out to some of the local elected
officials, who are from communities
of color, to find out how we can
support them...some of them
will be running for reelection this
fall in their local, city, municipal
and county elections...as well as
trying to identify other leaders in
communities of color.
Gary: Do you have a final thought
that you wish to share with the
readership?
Wilburn: I think it is important
that...not only the Democratic Party
reaches out to communities, but
for (those feeling) discouraged or
disenfranchised...this is an invitation
to reach out to the Democratic
Party.
Let us know what types of
leadership efforts are going on in
your community...such as any type
of celebrations...so that we can
try and help amplify and recognize
those local successes that are
going on so that...again...we are
identifying local leadership...and if
there are ways that we can partner
to develop local leadership that
will help us create candidates that
can run for these state legislative
positionsâ€¦as well as the Governorâ€™s
office.
Celeste and Gary: Thank you.
READY.
SET. PrEP.
What if there were a pill that could
help prevent HIV?
THERE IS.
T
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP)
is a way to prevent people who
do not have HIV from getting HIV,
by taking one pill every day as
prescribed.
Find out if PrEP medication is
right for you. Talk to your
healthcare professional
or find a provider at
stophiviowa.org.
STOPHIVIOWA.ORG
319.930.9093
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ir0vtTbOq37fCZKHD20CmddFAie2v2lVSRc5amf6hhMÍ&kÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tx×‰EÚ 5Interview with
Courageous Fire, LLC
By Dwana Bradley
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Ms. Courageous Fire. A woman in
our community who is making a
difference.
Psychological abuse increases the trauma of physical and
sexual abuse and a number of studies have demonstrated
psychological abuse independently causes long term
damage whether he hits you or not. Long term damage
includes depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress
disorder), suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, and difficulty
trusting others. Subtle psychological abuse is more
harmful than either overt psychological abuse or direct
aggression.
7 out of 10
Psychologically
abused women
have symptoms
of PTSD and/or
depression1
.
1
Abuseâ€
2
Abuseâ€
3
Abuseâ€
Women who experience psychological abuse are
more likely to report poor physical and mental health
and have more than 5 clinical visits in the last year2
Psychological abuse is an indicator of PTSD3
.
. We wonder
why individuals in the Black community are committing
suicide? Why so many Black women diagnosed
Fibromyalgia? Chronic asthma issues that are severe?
We keep saying this stuff happens at birth, that doesnâ€™t
account for those who are perfectly healthy and suddenly
diagnosed in their 20â€™s, 30â€™s and beyond. We forget that
psychological abuse impacts us physiologically and now
Black women are dealing with this evil which initially
attacked their spirit but has manifested in their entire
body.
She didnâ€™t dodge the bullet; she is carrying it around
and itâ€™s going all over her body. Thatâ€™s the reason why
many Black women are in poor health; not recognizing
they have been or still are currently in psychological
abuse. They end up getting worse and donâ€™t know why
because that bullet is still bouncing around completely
undetected. People talk about cancer and what causes
it. Why are so many Black women dealing with this
diagnosis? All that Iâ€™ve read states that cancer cells are
in everyoneâ€™s body. The healthy person has an immunity
that can fight it and keep it in check. What happens when
a personâ€™s psychological and physical health start to
become depleted? Their ability to fight off other things is
compromised so now she isnâ€™t just dealing with cancer,
but other things as well.
Last year we lost Connie Simmons to DV (domestic
violence). I didnâ€™t know her name before last year, but her
story broke my heart. How do we not see these things?
How do we not provide a safe space for a woman to learn
about safety planning and get the help she needs? There
are two places Black women can get help within the state
of Iowa.
From National Coalition Against Domestic Violence article: â€œFacts about Domestic Violence and Psychological
From National Coalition Against Domestic Violence article: â€œFacts about Domestic Violence and Psychological
From National Coalition Against Domestic Violence article: â€œFacts about Domestic Violence and Psychological
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://_N_x6M-2mrThNYaA--6A-KgD2XT6uZyeuTlLd-Q2sj0Í%Í`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tz×‰EÚvI am the place you would go if you were safe and want
to learn how to end the domestic violence cycles in
your future. What made you predisposed to it? What
did you learn to accept as normal that they preyed
on in order to entrap you? Learn that and let your
therapist help you close off those cycles-thatâ€™s what I
do. That is the biggest part of what Courageous Fire,
LLC was meant to be.
The other agency is for Black people who are in crisis
still in crisis (in the abusive relationship) that is Amani
Community Services. They can help anywhere in the
state of Iowa remotely. They currently have offices
in Waterloo, Davenport, and Cedar Rapids; now they
have an active domestic violence advocate in the Des
Moines area! Prior to their Des Moines advocate, I
sent a client to be helped remotely and they helped
her tremendously. They made sure she had clothes
for her kids, food, and that she got moved. They are
an amazing organization, and they understand us- the
Black woman.
One lady listening to me talk about the plight of Black
women and DV asked me this: if this problem is so bad,
what will fix it? Iâ€™m always thrilled for that question
and will spend the rest of my life and the life of
Courageous Fire, LLC answering it.
Firstly, itâ€™s hard to contribute to the solution if you
donâ€™t understand the problem. Some things you need
to understand. That was the reason for last monthâ€™s
livestream event. Birth through Ascension. It was a
2-part event- the dramatic presentation of my path
from DV victim to survivor to program developer
of Empowerment though Arts (add TM), and an
interactive Q&A with more information. In the filmed
portion of the presentation, I literally gave definitions
of the lesser-known types of abuse then showed what
those looked like in my specific circumstance. I also
showed how chronicling my own journey allowed
me to see the connection of art and therapy in my
discovery and healing process and how that could help
other Black women.
I then put this programming together looking at what
things were effective for me as a Black woman. Iâ€™m so
proud and excited with this program because it was
written by a Black woman for Black women. It wasnâ€™t
something written by somebody else.
Secondly, our community just doesnâ€™t get domestic
violence, so a Black woman has nowhere to go within
her own community to get the help she needs as a
victim and the support she needs as a survivor. To
help grow our DV knowledge and understanding. Iâ€™ve
been doing what I call Prep Talks. I talk with people
in the community who the Black woman relies on or
is connected to so these parts of the community can
learn her needs and become invested in helping her.
The people that Iâ€™ve talked to have been appreciative
of the work Iâ€™ve been doing for women and willing
to understand more. I believe through these talks it
is starting to become clear that this isnâ€™t just for us
women over in this corner who are survivors.
Finally, she needs her communityâ€™s support. When
that Black woman goes to church, she needs support
of you, Pastor. When she goes to play cards with her
girlfriends, she needs your non-judgmental support.
She needs some safe place where he canâ€™t listen to
the phone conversation so she can call the National
Domestic Violence Hotline like I did, and have them
explain to her what is going on, what type of abuse
she is dealing with, and where in her local community
there are resources that can help her and then she
needs help with safety planning. She canâ€™t do this at
home, but maybe he doesnâ€™t go to church. Maybe
there is a womenâ€™s group, and he isnâ€™t going to be
there. If she knows she will have support of her
community then she finally has a safe place to start
doing those things. The sad, too-old story for the Black
woman is that she has no place in the community
where she wonâ€™t be judged, criticized, or blamed, she
doesnâ€™t get out.
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 33
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support women affected by domestic violence, make them
aware of the work that Courageous Fire, LLC is doing, and
spark them to get involved to wrap around and help crush
domestic violence out end its reign of terror on the Black
woman.
Does anything in this article resonate with you?
1.
If youâ€™re a member of the community who
is NOT a DV survivor, hereâ€™s how you can help be a
part of the solution: https://cfire2019.wixsite.com/
move/community
2.
If youâ€™re a Black female DV survivor,
Courageous Fire is taking participants for the 2021
cohorts for Empowerment through the Arts (add
TM). Hereâ€™s how you sign up: https://cfire2019.
wixsite.com/move/protect-survivors
3.
If you simply want to ask a question: Reach
out to Courageous Fire at cfire2019@gmail.com or
515-428-0077
Support the work Ms. Courageous Fire is doing:
1.
2.
com/paypalme/akhcourageiousfire?locale.
x=en_US
Are you in crisis?
Step 1: call the National Domestic Hotline at
1-800-799-7233
Step 2: Call Amani Community Services at 319991-4589
Through
Cashapp: $courageousfirellc
Through PayPal: https://www.paypal.
See What
Urban Can
Do for You!
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://rr61L0fVYENFmNMw99wgRkYJNLzcliaamwgi2CovD00ÍSÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷t|×‰EÚ7PRESS RELEASES
WDM Contact:
Baillee Furst
baillee@wdmchamber.org
(515) 222-3679
Learn More About the WDM Chamber
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 3, 2021
WDM Chamber to Host National Event for Minority Entrepreneurs
WEST DES MONES, IA (WED, MARCH 3, 2021) â€“ The West Des Moines Chamber of
Commerce (WDM Chamber) is set to host the first annual Black and Brown Business Summit
(the Summit) presented by Principal Financial GroupÂ® on April 22 and 23. This two-day
conference was created by the WDM Chamberâ€™s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI
Committee) with the goal of elevating ethnic minorities and to bring BIPOC businesses together
to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training and to provide resources to
help businesses grow and prosper.
â€œThe goal of the Black & Brown Business Summit is to â€“ Learn, Grow and Thrive,â€ said Angela
Jackson, Chair of the WDM Chamberâ€™s DEI Committee and SVP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
at Athene. â€œSmall businesses and businesses of color have been negatively impacted during
this global pandemic. The summit aims to provide educational resources, connection to help
these business owners grow their business as well as share resources for those who are new
entrepreneurs and looking to start a business. We also want to highlight diverse and dynamic
successful businesses to encourage others.â€
Programming for the Summit includes breakout sessions led by top experts, Mel Essex Award,
inspirational keynote speakers and networking. Breakout sessions are divided into two tracks â€“
New Entrepreneurs (businesses in their first two years of operation) and Established
Entrepreneurs (business that have been in existence for 2+ years, are established and looking
to grow in scale).
Keynote speakers include George Herrera, current Independent Director of the board of Travel
and Leisure Co. and former President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce who helped raise millions to lend to minority small business owners,
and Brandon Copeland. Copeland is a starting NFL Linebacker and a Financial Wellness
Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Real Estate
Developer, a Venture Investor, and a worldwide motivational speaker.
The pitch competition, to be held the first day of the Summit and brought to you by exclusive
pitch competition partner Hy-Vee, will serve as a chance for 25 to 30 businesses to participate
in the workshop. At the end of the day, 5 to 6 individuals from the workshop will be selected to
present their pitch to a panel of judges to win a cash prize. Deadline to apply is March 19. View
and fill out the application here.
The week prior to the Summit, from April 12 - 18, the WDM Chamber will be hosting Diversity
Wk t
it
f
Bl
k & B
bi
th
t
t
t h
th i d
t
The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 35
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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://C9LeDsF_d0lx8Mh256XZqB6JdmBPkejjxqrp9kG9JcQÍÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷t~×‰EÚõLetâ€™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 37
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://DyQIjmVhyXoHSBIRAQ5_g2bYxx7Y-PBpzST92uwb_lUÍ"WÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷t×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷t~ÍÀÍ{×‘C’×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://xQmUJmnqcb5BHMgYbAW3YQh5HsMgg-5SlfT1XpZHqiUÎ I<Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://b6E6MUyblWwO_fCdrnXrppSnqg8o2UqFzTaWBeGSxVMÍuíÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://Awp8Jq5HxXh5t6d4Y1DScJO4DQPVWqvM-PmBM648BcUÍ(¸Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://0LoN40c1Nk8kMoQPk0hWkaquEfPEdSueeC1FQX8ik8sÎ Æ¿DÍ ÍèÍñ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tä×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ligwqPtgWMu5zKOPGleae4b-3BRFTcC_vBAlsI0rApEÎ 0©Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://lDTOEDHJTxrH9RSRDyQp7F6Cxq_5ZlNmmcWwpwpTyKQÍy2Í`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://SVthaZcywjWDLpCvodnceg6hOG7ebJmvyqxxdZhQ9ewÍ&‡Í`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://4mvMlnDVWfkItCoqTcWj3N1hnzASO_ulu-G5OPSNwLMÎ ¾\`Í ÍèÍñ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tåœ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tò Ì¹Í1Ìž9×HÚ  http://www.imagezphotostudio.com××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tñ Í÷Í1Í19×H¾https://www.facebook.com/DsmSo××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tð Í÷ÍÛÍ9×HÚ  http://www.iowanebraskanaacp.org××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tï Í÷ÍoÍ,9×H¿https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tî Í÷ÍÌº9×H¸http://ww.madeeasley.com××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tí Í÷ÌÁÌ´9×H¸http://www.vanesther.com××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tì Í÷kÌã9×H½http://www.iowajuneteenth.com××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷të &ÍEÍ@9×HÚ !https://www.facebook.com/ma.vs.73××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tê &ÍÃÍ29×HÚ  https://www.facebook.com/groups/××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷té &ÍWÍŠ9×HÚ )https://www.rootstobranchesgenealogy.com/××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tè &ÌÕÍ±9×HÚ ,https://www.facebook.com/TranZitionsBeautySa××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tç &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://Awp8Jq5HxXh5t6d4Y1DScJO4DQPVWqvM-PmBM648BcUÍ(¸Í`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷t€×‰EÚ	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 39
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://SVthaZcywjWDLpCvodnceg6hOG7ebJmvyqxxdZhQ9ewÍ&‡Í`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷t×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷t€ÍÀÍ{×‘C’×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://ThxAZnocwpWxhDJFv43aGRYHBtl-BKWaKXito_LbR5YÎ æ.Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://xPrEr-uReAI66dIZ-AuJGQ7h9mcAHNwGWvoMXUnntA8ÍY¥Í`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://USeb9Kol7I1mf1EwV3pHudkubSX5JxhS58JWv17T4OEÍÉÍ`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://7_iy9WoQc8hYNblWNwtVTj452xGl5SbLERJfFDfLZ0oÎ ©¡DÍ ÍèÍñ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tó×˜š Íà ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://JV-eLvPRdS_eLr0v0QVZRU5Rr6yTqJYB3qGWuIQDl9cÎ U”Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://QXCaDQSfGbsDjoESJoAtUOL-j-kKLw9itTS1z78KTFwÍf7Í`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://eA7yuxL1T3uV3vw4_gR7qFtarFHOf0884jt2jd-8LoUÍUÍ`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://xo9ALMyIDhLeCftTI4vu5JhLMQ6fkDDBlsCFPLEJYBQÎ QËBÍ ÍèÍñ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tô’× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tû ÍRÍÍ9×HÚ  mailto:contactdsmurban@gmail.com××Ðˆ× ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷tú 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://USeb9Kol7I1mf1EwV3pHudkubSX5JxhS58JWv17T4OEÍÉÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷t‚×‰EÚ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 41
×‰	Ú 7cassandra://eA7yuxL1T3uV3vw4_gR7qFtarFHOf0884jt2jd-8LoUÍUÍ`ÌµÍ ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷tƒ×`¥Ðú<Dœh÷t‚ÍÀÍ{×‘C‘×˜š   ÍàÍ{u×‰œ”×‰	Ú 7cassandra://bfqcGqN48--cNhkI0FNzKTmtEvOkxtMJThXWiO8BYfIÎ £§Í`Í°Í×‰	Ú 7cassandra://QbkhMGIAh-nCoG19aw7UI-0mJ_jC8XWr2FwiyZarGJcÍmpÍ`ÍSÍß×‰	Ú 7cassandra://hEKUXVUz0E1jk60jU32zx2KT00NbpVH1Baj03XfwdsQÍ(fÍ`ÌµÍ ×‰	Ú 7cassandra://6KTbrPBo_tisW9pQKSV4nfZrCH8-uFSAzkWoieC11WsÎ ÃçÍÍ ÍèÍñ×`¥Ñ<Dœh÷t÷×‰EÚ^AFRICAN
AMERICANS
HAVE A
GREATER RISK
of colon cancer
than other races
REDUCE YOUR RISK OF COLORECTAL CANCER
GET SCREENED
The American Cancer
Society recommends
that African Americans
and people with a family
history of colon cancer or
polyps start screening for
colon cancer at age 45.
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Schedule your screening today:
(515) 282-2334
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