׉?4ׁB!בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://nW-FYAx0-wKsanTNH1igGMY1qXT2t2PT7sLhjc-oUyYт`׉ 7cassandra://ODra4n9K949DSMf3321neDb-x8pkD7tChfmqkTwPqD0g`s׉ 7cassandra://llAf0VCJue7OYBACk0hhbgJP0rsBTC-r1OggokFtXK0*`׉ 7cassandra://3nUMB24_w9iVr6KlYv8frhFvCvlYfqVwtoTBHc0xMgs}͠]arKQט(u׈CNSvu׈EarKP׉EHigher Education Journey by Celeste Lawson Inside Remembering Juneteenth Ebony’s Story Aducanumab Approved for Alzheimer’s Treatment 1 ׉ 7cassandra://llAf0VCJue7OYBACk0hhbgJP0rsBTC-r1OggokFtXK0*`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://usrFUSO3s-RjnQ4VsYSJIxP0X1aNN861WNXEP5OVOy8`׉ 7cassandra://_yAgjuax7dFeeSZwsXyVLlAvlhsFK48deVrtG0W4DgAb`s׉ 7cassandra://fFBVPSPvNV-K3fTztuUMRBJW5h46cco-u2WFemNhEnY d`׉ 7cassandra://QJHtV4LXpGNXkXTh5FU7KqJ5lV8EP7YA_3aWOmiMW-w̢͠]arKQט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://txYzJ4y4iD2gKRYq7B89yBG_4_aZ0Y0Ew1FYsAo7Hq0l`׉ 7cassandra://0UgOdDtTWpsQLJCYgsf0wAVegAzOIkOLFKyppEBGGjQ[`s׉ 7cassandra://koZXrGdTpC-Kq4UzpytoRLqvxeHGuHAB2UinhGpOgN4"`׉ 7cassandra://v-emAT17eKpqQm20FGnSumWc7v1wuIUHJVRr-6lWm18a͠]arKQנarKQ 9ׁH mailto:contactdsmurban@gmail.comׁ ׁ ЈנarKQD9ׁHmailto:dsmurbannews@gmail.comׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ̼9ׁHmailto:joindsmurban@gmail.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EWRITERS & 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 Marcus Supreme 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 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 COVID-19 The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights 602 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines IA 50309 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, ׉ 7cassandra://fFBVPSPvNV-K3fTztuUMRBJW5h46cco-u2WFemNhEnY d`arKP׉ESUMMARY 6 Featured Artist of the Month 10 In the Presense of God 12 Remembering Juneteenth 15 18 32 3 15 Winner of the Iowa Juneteenth 2021 Essay Contest 16 Ebony’s Story 36 While We Wait to Breathe Again: Part 2 32 Higher Education Journey Health 28 40 Black Owned Business in Iowa Join our email club at: joindsmurban@gmail.com Submit your news to: dsmurbannews@gmail.com Become a Outlet for Urban: contactdsmurban@gmail.com ׉ 7cassandra://koZXrGdTpC-Kq4UzpytoRLqvxeHGuHAB2UinhGpOgN4"`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://WcAkwVLzRPigFCOkpJazrY-mhE_ky2kJDUUw84Kdbis`׉ 7cassandra://G7bs2mRPzHpWh7FTM5luMlx-aeZOdZlK-nAg_dNEPd8t`s׉ 7cassandra://QShsVuMTTaSz_eou5kfmhSuwV5vySaRqmRCBJ2N-EQQ$`׉ 7cassandra://X0BwWdDTMEyUkOo0yhJd9uE-ge7Xa5mImPy68cHqNNIl ͠]arKQט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://JtgHWDUUmX7-CWGsx2hguFiRXf5HfoM-eFuYeIeiPt03`׉ 7cassandra://xmg_qZ4DF49sgA-6lh-z_O2PCzWeylZIy38wdhHyUH4}`s׉ 7cassandra://zEZJzmncTDtPO3I_irMgoUVbWko-udZnPdZ168qXCnw"P`׉ 7cassandra://a1Sd_ERpCT8BIy6kCSR6bXVElpiORQ7KzqjtKHpXRps͠]arKQ!נarKQ%9ׁHmailto:contacdsmurban@gmail.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E׉ 7cassandra://QShsVuMTTaSz_eou5kfmhSuwV5vySaRqmRCBJ2N-EQQ$`arKP׉E EDITORIAL JUNETEENTH VS. JULY 4TH It’s important to note that the 13th slavery, but June 19th amendment abolished , 1865 is the date news of freedom arrived in Galveston making this day know as Juneteenth, June + nineteenth also known as Freedom Day. A day which was celebrated and is a reminder of the past, present, and future. There are many celebrations across the United States and now Juneteenth is a National Holiday. Dwana Bradley Editor in Chief As General Chairperson of Iowa Juneteenth I had the opportunity to speak to many businesses. I was able to share what Juneteenth meant to me and the importance of what I call my fourth of July. I was asked a question during one of my speaking sessions. The individual asked me do I celebrate Juneeteenth or the Fourth of July? I would like to provide some historical context on both celebrations. Juneteenth President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1st , 1865, and over two years later General Gordon Granger and Union soldiers made a trip to Galveston, Texas to share news to enslaved people the Civil War had ended, and they were free. I won’t share my answer with you, but I think it’s up to you to decide. When the United States celebrated Independence Day while celebrating the fact that they were no longer under British rule, slavery was happening, July 4th This is known as Independence Day and it is celebrated to recognize the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the United States becoming an independent nation. America’s 13 colonies were forced to pay taxes to England’s King George III and at that time had no representation in the British Parliament. The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and created a committee which drafted a document to sever ties with Great Britain. The draft was adopted on July 4, 1776. and Black people were living in a country that treated them as property and not human beings. Even though Juneteenth celebrations took place and enslaved people knew they were free, white people made sure Black people knew they weren’t free. It may say on a piece of paper Black people were free, but lynching’s, violent attacks, and the actions of white people made it perfectly clear to Black people that they didn’t belong here. Many were not accepting of our freedom. I’m not going to tell you which to celebrate I believe it’s personal preference. I suggest you educate yourself on each and decide what makes sense to you. Juneteenth provides me time to reflect and educate myself on the past, recognize where I’m at in this world presently and speak the vision of what I want the future to look like. Send me a message at contacdsmurban@gmail.com to share which holiday you celebrate and feel free to share why you celebrate the holiday. I look forward to hearing from you. Dwana B 5 ׉ 7cassandra://zEZJzmncTDtPO3I_irMgoUVbWko-udZnPdZ168qXCnw"P`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://AxqJXQhUexATj2VK4YEqes77lzHs6fDSlUO2YvlZl00k`׉ 7cassandra://fwwnA89k3X19Yi9cFdWul9pAh-wvob_WDF-olugA2Zw?_`s׉ 7cassandra://_pCnEh_srS9U9S4vcfO9zUtsTrcCC4mHdygy91d4VHE`׉ 7cassandra://Ysg6VdQ19k7MAaeFRWaJj4O9a2TXxZ4-0Ki2Vd8h4sU}[͠]arKQ$ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://rpZ5DaI9ZYqkt5bYZMAmQfX-KQWvYEaTy_98XrHLH0c`׉ 7cassandra://M-35d4c0byuw-DAcmnduvwnE09ymxZV2Ppy4o5AQ-8k͌l`s׉ 7cassandra://hCGUAJBQKu24jEkVP_ygHDt9pFglEhlpSAhUSxWiBrM%`׉ 7cassandra://yOuh9wkXBRAe45J_D-cvu6ZGJFnxApdrQ_pALWNMIyY\͠]arKQ&׉ETHE GREAT FRAME UP SUPPORTS AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTIST JULY FEATURE: SIMMIE KNOX DES MOINES, IOWA – As a local custom frame retailer and art gallery, The Great Frame Up in West Des Moines enjoys supporting the visual arts. This month we selected Alabama-born American artist Simmie Knox. ׉ 7cassandra://_pCnEh_srS9U9S4vcfO9zUtsTrcCC4mHdygy91d4VHE`arKP׉E Simmie Lee Knox was born on August 18, 1935. He is an American painter who painted the official White House portrait of former United States President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton. He was the first black American artist to receive a presidential portrait commission. Early life Simmie Knox was born to Simmie Knox Sr., a carpenter and mechanic, and Amelia Knox. At a young age Simmie’s parents divorced and he was sent to live on his aunt and uncle’s sharecropper farm with his eight cousins in Leroy, Alabama. At age 13 he was hit in the eye by a baseball while playing a game, and it was suggested that drawing would aid his recovery. His segregated school did not have an art program, but the Catholic nuns who taught him recognized his talent and found someone to teach him. He attended Central High School in Mobile. Subsequently, Knox studied at Delaware State College while working in a textile factory. He then enrolled at Tyler School of Art in Pennsylvania, where he attained his masters degree. Art Knox began his career teaching at the Bowie State College, Maryland and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington D.C. He painted still lifes and sold them on a market stall. On leaving college abstract art was in vogue. He continued in this style through the 1970s before committing himself to portraiture in 1981. “With abstract painting I didn’t feel the challenge. The face is the most complicated thing there is. The challenge is finding that thing, that makes it different from another face,” he later said. He has painted many notable figures such as Muhammad Ali, and Supreme Court Justices Thurgood Marshall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, before coming to the attention of the White House. In 2000 he was selected to create a portrait of President Bill Clinton. He became the first black American painter to paint an official portrait of an American president. The paintings of Bill and Hillary Clinton took two years to complete, finished in 2002 and unveiled in June 2004. As a professional artist Knox works from a small converted garage next to his home in Silver Spring, Maryland. Knox has been described as “the unofficial portraitist for trailblazing African Americans”. In 2013 a short film was created and shown about Knox’s life, by the Delaware Humanities Forum. 7 “I think that a good portrait is the most difficult thing for an artist to bring off successfully. Not only must you get an accurate likeness, but you must create a good painting. . . you must convey a subject’s character and spirit. ---Simmie Knoxs ׉ 7cassandra://hCGUAJBQKu24jEkVP_ygHDt9pFglEhlpSAhUSxWiBrM%`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ZFARyr2JiGxpI3fco5k4BT-h13L4M76mZGHMy_H_gbsh`׉ 7cassandra://rbT4EzCl55OPuFWRuXkgap-eqg7Q2D6qBgu0LCJG6Hga\`s׉ 7cassandra://_Hjj00zdOE6_DPtZaZQ06ysj8AHJWqSEl0HXJYam9y0$O`׉ 7cassandra://SEkWokGDm7LeHFv634__t90JZ7aFC6bJxMcJRDZFkkQ(0͠]arKQ)ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://G45dOoz_73lh5l4h7xOdn1-a5EOQ8Yh8gYvm0S2O3Qs`׉ 7cassandra://-N4-9Kwqw3kVUGgWGRc09TeTqHU3wANOfw9y3H7BpCM͑`s׉ 7cassandra://Kwvvwvjqy-a1CjMWj78Q1H-PSa8TcYqEW0QCaaFE_pM,`׉ 7cassandra://sYDPOf3G6DrErmbV4uNu-FKtW8JrHb2mEV1eJF5c5lM= ͠]arKQ*נarKQ39ׁHhttp://DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORGׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ2</9ׁH https://www.youtube.com/channel/ׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ1̱9ׁHhttp://twitter.com/tgfuwdmׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ0\9ׁH)http://instagram.com/thegreatframeup_wdm/ׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ/9ׁHhttp://facebook.com/tgfuwdmiowaׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ.ā̾9ׁHhttp://thegreatframeup.comׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ-!9ׁHhttp://www.simmieknox.comׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ,u!u9ׁHhttp://wikipedia.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E׉ 7cassandra://_Hjj00zdOE6_DPtZaZQ06ysj8AHJWqSEl0HXJYam9y0$O`arKP׉ECredits – wikipedia.org and www.simmieknox.com 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. justin Favela CENTRAL AMERICAN OPENS JULY 17 MORE AT DESMOINESARTCENTER.ORG Justin Favela (American, born 1986) Detail, La Cañada de Metlac, after José María Velasco, 2018 Paper and glue on board / 41 × 63 inches 4700 GRAND AVENUE | DES MOINES 9 ׉ 7cassandra://Kwvvwvjqy-a1CjMWj78Q1H-PSa8TcYqEW0QCaaFE_pM,`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://6vEbSjlYc8oE5ezzCz6IwRzXHteH-CjkHPmeM0f7vVQ@`׉ 7cassandra://jtthb0nq19fzautDtz1pYgIhwAEyLezM2Qqpf6RVnWEk`s׉ 7cassandra://lDmGtHo3-ZCTrQGZFaekL_eajUNuPOILAIi3w5XignM!`׉ 7cassandra://kQp7AWj7v233osDCtpIyHMql7Xb3H30FBaHnkNw5f1M͠]arKQ4ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://XCvOebm1WJ08CAPVvXCJdiLjcerkR7GpCUq6fZ3XPNQ4`׉ 7cassandra://rX9yE1LQMDeLLzsE9hR2UGRGesesRZUUPuww9KOdGuU͘`s׉ 7cassandra://udJG8pEt7P9qxo0bbk3Dnhy3JaNnSMGzWkMzmiLLX2g0`׉ 7cassandra://7yMcBQj1bqdxMobyvbKFLgYubMa96nYYYW8o9lCWTkM]QC<͠]arKQ5נarKQ8P9ׁH"http://www.neighborhoodfinance.orgׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ7'9ׁH#mailto:be.encouragedbyone@gmail.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ESPIRITUALITY Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 The Presence of God The spirit of God and His presence will remain with us forever. He does not change. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. “He will never leave you nor forsake you”. In the presence of God we are faced with many facets of life. In His presence we are able to gain awareness of Him, seek his guidance on which direction to take in a situation, and listen through obedience of His wisdom of that which concerns us. God has an interest in every part of our lives. At some point, there becomes a level of commitment that is required in developing a bond or relationship with our Lord and Savior. He is our companion. The One we can count on when all else fails. When we are aware of God’s presence quality time becomes valuable. Along with prayer, meditation, worship, reading the word “The Bible”, ׉ 7cassandra://lDmGtHo3-ZCTrQGZFaekL_eajUNuPOILAIi3w5XignM!`arKP׉Eand having a heart to follow after Him and knowing His will. God knows what we need before we can bring it to his attention. God is our comforter, encourager, deliverer, and way maker. He will take full responsibility of where we are at and stand in our circumstances. He will help us withstand the hardship through His strength. We will be able to have an opportunity to experience God through His love, joy, and forgiveness. A strong intimate relationship will be priority and of great significance or importance to each other. A gift of external life is at hand. Author Donnetta Austin, Amazon “Never Retire God”, Email be.encouragedbyone@gmail.com THE NFC NEIGHBORHOOD REINVEST DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE LOAN PROGRAM IS HERE! Apply to receive a $10,500 30-year deferred loan at 0.00% interest rate (APR 0.00%) for down payment when purchasing a home with an NFC Advantage Purchase Loan in an NFC lending area. 515.246.0010 Des Moines, West Des Moines, Windsor Heights and Urbandale Visit us at www.neighborhoodfinance.org for more information. ׉ 7cassandra://udJG8pEt7P9qxo0bbk3Dnhy3JaNnSMGzWkMzmiLLX2g0`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://5R-9j8AR3TQNx6SG88Ij_zXU_GT_1OALtaqf6KYrJzgBG`׉ 7cassandra://B5iGu9rYSHbs3hnXudZYv9Uer26N4XvFT1GoWNwk4D8͠`s׉ 7cassandra://W-WvzkINgdeRy4McI9aADRn6Pamierlw_5v2UPGpE54.|`׉ 7cassandra://7u7EKDm9YsNsVNSlcJMLkyUmh3ADVVtoCaJ-FerM6LU͠]arKQ9ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://U2GoQn_CNXlzLp6Ulq9TsMiZ9u5DC087Km-nbDY0I_U`׉ 7cassandra://K26sJTuEGsqG4K6TVE5JGNwr-XnCJQrL8ozsfeOi2AIͅ`s׉ 7cassandra://vk_xegtcWGb__9HOEV1Q221gi6oJn_K_iSypGsVqJuQ)`׉ 7cassandra://7N7wWvUvOXBPIHOVxPHxgeWToEH1_-t3CsMDz-2xTrABT͠]arKQ:׉Eby Gary Lawson President Joe Biden signed legislation on June 17 of this year making Juneteenth a Federal Holiday, and there are no words that can justly capture my sentiments during that time. Notwithstanding, I remembered initiating the first major Juneteenth activity in Des Moines during 1990, the Iowa Juneteenth Celebration…which later became the Iowa Juneteenth Observance… I remembered the hard work it took to introduce the historical meaning of Juneteenth during our outreach efforts in Iowa, a state where about 4% of the population is identified as African Americans… I remembered the difficult work it took to construct, expand, and maintain an infrastructure…and plan… that would secure the Iowa Juneteenth Observance well into the future… I remembered the many people that I had the privilege of working with, as well as those who unsuccessfully placed obstacles in our way… I remembered working with the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation to make Juneteenth an official Federal Holiday, and I also held the office as Chair of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation Stamp Commission… I remembered the feeling I had when our work resulted in the Governor at that time, the Honorable Tom Vilsack, signed legislation on April 11, 2002, resulting in Juneteenth becoming an official State Holiday observance in Iowa…one of the first ten states to do so… I remembered when my wife’s health started to decline, and I turned my responsibilities as Chairperson of the Iowa Juneteenth Observance over to Christopher (Chris) Johnson and was presented with the honorary title of Iowa Juneteenth Chairperson Emeritus… I remembered when Chris was promoted by his employer, and had to relocate from Iowa…and I consequently approached Dwana Bradley, Editorin-chief of what is now the Urban Experience Magazine, and requested that she carry the torch… representing 25 years of the Iowa Juneteenth Observance…into the future, which I firmly believe was the right decision… I remembered that this year, under the leadership of Ms. Bradley, the Iowa Juneteenth Observance State Holiday celebrated 31 years of existence… I remembered all of these things, and more, as Juneteenth became a Federal Holiday! ׉ 7cassandra://W-WvzkINgdeRy4McI9aADRn6Pamierlw_5v2UPGpE54.|`arKP׉ECongratulations to our Iowa Juneteenth Observance Award Winners Photo Credit: Bert Moody Gerald Joseph – Mary McLeod Bethune Education Award Luana Nelson-Brown – Jesse F. Taylor Advocacy Award Dr. Kahlil Andrews – James Durham Health Practitioner of the Year Award Joma Short – Liberty Award Vikki Brown – Liberty Award Al Womble – Iowa Citizen of the Year Award Don Brown – Del Saxman Jones Jazz Award Ciara Echols – Rocky Weston Gospel Legacy Award Arina Tembo – 1st Contest Winner Emoni Lewis – 2nd Contest Winner Grace Gaye – 3rd Contest Winner 13 Place Iowa Juneteenth Observance Essay Place Iowa Juneteenth Observance Essay Place Iowa Juneteenth Observance Essay ׉ 7cassandra://vk_xegtcWGb__9HOEV1Q221gi6oJn_K_iSypGsVqJuQ)`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://xTn2fKfSgLDHm0DCrCss2qY2-exD4eFYfMkQ2CTvDek"j`׉ 7cassandra://XemoTLOPSAvP0vSihEVENJ9Cvz-35UqvPHvdz8ByjAE͂`s׉ 7cassandra://__dFNvlEIE0XN-sKxftVEbu7XAkXM8mkNVz7xjHH9J4-`׉ 7cassandra://Xw6VnrR4VWgYfd4hA1ylxwfh8V4FzmrgJBic0KPjXP8c0͠]arKQ<ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://st4GJE7-5sm_rTJSPQ0kpxP_nQCIBambTlZjmGE_gogs'`׉ 7cassandra://aw-ZHAmDRNrGcUqU-sTu3o-pUZF48WUrAg0NTFfq-ygL`s׉ 7cassandra://OaiYxDgF_P5AND8WrxdbY4YE-bQcUmhC7RLX8m8nX4g /`׉ 7cassandra://fWbnOFpQuAHJKEQDOWNswNPFdICdDkJhZcFHntZjSBsPBd͠]arKQ=׉E׉ 7cassandra://__dFNvlEIE0XN-sKxftVEbu7XAkXM8mkNVz7xjHH9J4-`arKP׉EsArina Tembo East High School 10th Grade 15 years old 1st place Winner of the Iowa Juneteenth 2021 Essay Contest 15 ׉ 7cassandra://OaiYxDgF_P5AND8WrxdbY4YE-bQcUmhC7RLX8m8nX4g /`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://pWQsQjGaxJM9p5-0I84_x4XjuSAAALtCiShGJiahFfA`׉ 7cassandra://EvBwUM0VkAEWj-h1r_lOc4YLqTqSJ4wZNjR-kV2eds0ͦ`s׉ 7cassandra://M1YJaGiUBYnrNLF0l-PSfkKs7O3vpxZqYj0JWrqIps8&y`׉ 7cassandra://eayBwpU_1zxNXQ9GlZu8ooeHHRnRbg61ZXuxiP5LEtch!͠]arKQ?ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://1Z1WgQy6P_qrpxC-ccO1DsJnDJjU5XPXKiqI_j27etcX`׉ 7cassandra://W36YlOsmupilEP2fS-p-tIojLP2YW4KL08hNBg9_SzI͊`s׉ 7cassandra://FB9g62G20yEjdC-K_liiws3yKnzA18ZBbanwkvkJeRM-`׉ 7cassandra://NENoztlQG4eq2CL2wevrjT30vOpD2Ci8xBNKIrlWCsg#͠]arKQ@נarKQC(9ׁHhttp://StopHIVIowa.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E “How have the events in 2020/2021 impacted you and/or your community and how would you mend the cultural divide in this country?” I wanted to shout! I wanted The cultural divide in this to stand with my people. I wanted to be involved so my voice could be heard. I didn’t want to just stand back and do nothing. But I was scared. If I had a sign to hold it would have said, “No Justice, No Peace, Prosecute the Police!” Events in 2020, such as COVID-19, systemic racism, and social injustice (History, 2021) impacted me by making me realize that the world is not a happy cheerful place like I thought it was. There are bad things going on around the world, but a lot of people did not know it because they did not see it. Now, because of social media people are seeing these bad things. Every time I turned on the tv I would see someone being killed. People of my own race. They were on the news, and even in social media. I couldn’t watch it all because it made me scared. I was traumatized! Being quarantined had me anxious and eager to get outside, and although I wanted my voice to be heard, I was afraid of COVID-19. Once school opened, I was able to see my friends and learn they were okay, I was able to focus and find ways to use my voice. country has helped me to want to do more within my community. Even though I struggle with expressing myself, I did want to try when I heard my classmates were organizing a walk out. I was thinking,” My education is important! I am the future! How can I not use my voice while lawmakers work to pass bills that will affect me?” I wanted to participate in the protest because they have to pay attention to us. I didn’t want my voice to be silenced again. So, I joined my classmates in the protest. We were protesting two bills under consideration by the Iowa Legislature, which would ban state and local governments and public schools and colleges from teaching certain “divisive concepts” as part of diversity and sensitivity trainings (Gruber-Miller, 2021). The passing of these bills would affect me, and I felt the need to speak up, because how can we mend the cultural divide if we remain silent? I believe we have to use our voices to teach others and expose those things that are dividing us. Audrey Lorde said it best, “Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity.” (Humedica International Lanka, n.d.). The beauty in this world is seen in the diversity of its people. I am more aware about what is going on in the world around me and less self-centered because of the events that took place during 2020, and I want to work with others to mend the cultural divide. I understand it starts in my community. I may only be a teenager, but I can initiate events like my classmates. I believe that when people get to know each other it helps dissolve stereotypes. “A cultural barrier in communication occurs mainly when communication happens between two different cultural backgrounds,” (Communication Theory, n.d.). We have to learn to listen to each other’s voices. 2020, has made me a better person because now I understand, “the best way to resolve or handle cultural conflict is by learning about other cultures,” (Penn State, 2019). ׉ 7cassandra://M1YJaGiUBYnrNLF0l-PSfkKs7O3vpxZqYj0JWrqIps8&y`arKP׉EI am Liberian and there LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER are a lot of stereotypes about Africans in general that I can use my voice to dissolve. I have a diverse group of friends, and although we understand each other, and share our differences, it’s not enough. We need more culturally specific events not only in my community, but also outside of my community, so that the beautiful things about my people can be shared and seen. The events in 2020 have helped me find my voice. I am no longer scared. I know that I can advocate for myself and others like me, by using my voice, connections, and experiences to educate people. I can make them aware and teach them things about my culture that are positive and true. Picture a world without HIV stigma. Wecan allstop HIVstigma by speaking up againststigmatizing words or actions. WHEN WE SPEAK UP AGAINST HIV STIGMA, WE CAN STOP HIV TOGETHER. StopHIVIowa.org 17 ׉ 7cassandra://FB9g62G20yEjdC-K_liiws3yKnzA18ZBbanwkvkJeRM-`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://cTf-qxiMgWqvFZt9M2uP8cdlPCQ6sBYcvHOcAroSL2o#`׉ 7cassandra://6qUMJ2i7cfgW_qYFEQp9dYacnA_LZlURZCgJaq8s3MwC`s׉ 7cassandra://Hp0BYsrCzhZBswyuUAEA_D8laBjMv-r6muzsPBFadbU`׉ 7cassandra://q5-5WzYFzpsf9AeFZGNq9JE5CDmPAt9LR4uwSQ8Sa5gz7͠]arKQBט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://JxVazEq57NPPS1zRJjfay8hdlyMzn7Pu5qqJNGdqNHA`׉ 7cassandra://Ls4ntTDj-Ujcn2HoFj0zAVe33Rv9XK4D0x4i4leftuY͓v`s׉ 7cassandra://X9nibt6Zt93K4y-NvZh9MTCcFS07l4OYECIyYv0WETA' `׉ 7cassandra://iyCpf38lCVmhBF_7WJq_ouHeZEj2pjsAIxsNl87LSo4Md͠]arKQDנarKQHT 9ׁHhttp://TheHotline.orgׁ ׁ ЈנarKQG3сv 9ׁHhttp://PsychiatricTimes.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ECOURAGEOUS TRUTHS: Ebony’s Story “So what did you say to her about me?! You know she called me a jackass...” Ebony stopped hearing him. ׉ 7cassandra://Hp0BYsrCzhZBswyuUAEA_D8laBjMv-r6muzsPBFadbU`arKP׉E lAlthough Ebony*1 was 23, she had fallen hard for Trey who was only 21. Ebony surprised herself falling for someone younger; it was so unlike her. She had to be with someone who had a certain level of intelligence, humor, and spirituality...you know, maturity. Trey had the whole package, and she couldn’t overlook that even with his younger age. He loved working with animals, serving God at church through his musicianship, and her. His unbridled passion, quick wit, storehouse of knowledge, ability to make her laugh until her sides hurt, and his eagerness to please their Lord made her forget any of her other requirements. She realized they had already been married a year. Their courtship? Less than 6 months. Ebony felt herself rush back into the present, trembling with panic, her mind frantically searching for answers that would be Treyapproved. Now accustomed to his anger for innumerous types of “betrayal”, she wasn’t really sure which one she had committed this time. What she did know was that betrayals demanded penance, and tonight she was just so tired. 1 3 Even with feeling herself disconnect from the conversation and grow increasingly numb2 . she could still hear the sound of his voice, the snarl as he said her name, and the growl in his voice with every question. Finally, after everything in the car was silent, Ebony painstakingly began the problem-solving exercise of de-escalation tactics before they got home. She was hoping to reacquaint with her beloved dogs she’d raised since her teen years, Squeaker and Sidekick, but gauging from the coldness of tonight’s glare that wasn’t likely. So much had changed since their beginning. Trey had been so supportive of Ebony’s interests and career path, but now he had become so protective of her. Not in the way that makes a woman feel loved and secure, but in a way that had become suffocating. First, he just wanted to know when she got to work and would jokingly scold her if she forgot. It was endearing that he was concerned enough about her well-being to fuss over it, but gradually turned into: ● Controlling who she interacted with on social media ● Using her social media accounts to track what she was doing ● Telling her his method for creating passwords and insisting she use the same methods to create or update hers ● Constantly texting her, requiring nearly instantaneous responses to avoid extreme anger to the point of making her fear missing his call or text3 When Ebony saw Debbie again, she told her that Trey had seen the text message and was furious. Ebony blurted out that maybe Debbie could just apologize; maybe that would smooth things over enough for her to be welcome in their house again. Debbie’s earnest statement, “I’m not sure how that would look. He went through your phone behind your back. We were having a conversation as two adults about his cruelty to you. What would I be apologizing for?”, jarred Ebony. Ebony* is a fictitious, composite character, as well as the other characters in this story. Ebony is used to demonstrate the factual material contained within this article. The characters’ attributes/demographics are taken from case studies, surveys, and DV abuse definitions. 2 Dissociative states of PTSD (post-traumatic syndrome disorder) due to DV, article from PsychiatricTimes.com Types of Abuse - TheHotline.org, specific section: “Examples of digital behavior include” 19 ׉ 7cassandra://X9nibt6Zt93K4y-NvZh9MTCcFS07l4OYECIyYv0WETA' `arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://7qK69iXjHU7fWcDBChYdJlfZVklJmRA7lShLwcpurPgU`׉ 7cassandra://c0TX3ohjWNTbpIQ57iUdFIrKjTDB1-NTeBOR3HtOsYM͏c`s׉ 7cassandra://_AJx1fekjUn5aTNqxvIAo19CAYIpGpFpDNau713S-Bk#`׉ 7cassandra://R0I-s41_DH8NBNKGoSjDBMm1yK5ofgAaC_tbxz_2M_0PP(͠]arKQIט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://6ZD01SH82BPk4Y8nZ93pljcK2UURks-BkYAXiTq50K4`׉ 7cassandra://KhvjjvlIKVu7phI7bDxz_mBSjB7aloUATcfFJVw5DZ0l)`s׉ 7cassandra://RQ_nNI0-Wn6z6Bb4_XvwKDog2KbpKRvsZbAiI6suQ7E H`׉ 7cassandra://3afSpw_SC43mD2w6Vb-rhBj57amBzcqDRmYO_XKdzMA|n͠]arKQJנarKQZa9ׁHhttp://Hotline.orgׁ ׁ ЈנarKQYyf9ׁHhttp://Hotline.orgׁ ׁ ЈנarKQXTځY 9ׁHhttp://WomensLaw.orgׁ ׁ ЈנarKQW { 9ׁHhttp://BreaktheSilenceDV.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉E She was so used to making excuses for and defending his behavior to others, but Debbie’s question made her ask herself about her own apologies to Trey this year. Ebony went into her private space in the house that was for sewing and cleaning - she knew he’d never go there - and began mindlessly scrolling through Facebook4 . As she wandered through the tear-blurred pages, she saw an ad for Courageous Fire, LLC, and the work being done for Black women and DV (domestic violence)5 . It was so empowering, uplifting, positive, and the spokeswoman and founder’s name was actually Courageous. Ebony was intrigued. The next day at work, Ebony found a private spot to go to and called her. She wasn’t even sure why, but Ebony found herself asking questions. She soon found out Courageous was a survivor herself and dedicated to helping Black women identify lesser4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Courageous Fire, LLC Facebook page What is DV? Archives from NNEDV.org Digital Stalking definition provided by TheHotline.org Article on Hotline.org, “Create a Safety Plan” Safety Planning definition provided by WomensLaw.org Stalking/Cyberstalking page on WomensLaw.org Know the Laws in Iowa page on WomensLaw.org DV stats from Assets.SpeakCDN.com Empowerment through the Arts™ is a program made specifically for Black female DV survivors of abuse at the hands of their male partners. It incorporates the healing empowerment of art, music, Black sisterhood, traditional therapeutic techniques, as well as guided discovery of predatory relationships planted within foundational learning. CFireLLC.com/specialty known forms of DV that ensnared her. Courageous said according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, what she was experiencing was actually stalking - digital stalking (a form of DV): the use of technology and the Internet to bully, harass, stalk, intimidate, or control a partner. This behavior is often a form of verbal or emotional abuse conducted online6 . She gave Ebony the hotline number with 24/7 availability and lovingly encouraged her to use it, assuring Ebony that the professionals there could guide her to knowledge and safety. Ebony loved the man she met a year and half ago, but had to admit to herself this man bore no resemblance to that man anymore. She called the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The trained professional: ● confirmed that she was being emotionally abused through digital stalking ● told her they could help her with safety planning7 : a term often used to describe a plan of actions that can help keep you safer from an abuser8 ● gave her a list of agencies in her local area that she could access to fulfill parts of her safety plan, including an online resource to help her understand how to leverage the law for safety on WomensLaw.org910 It staggered Ebony when the professional told her 76% of women murdered by an intimate partner were stalked first, and that ¼ of stalking victims commit suicide.11 She now knows how serious stalking is, so she’s determined to walk out her safety plan. Part of her plan is that once she is safe and completely out of danger, she wants to know how she got here in the first place. Courageous told her about what sounded like an incredible, free opportunity called Empowerment through the Arts™12 that seemed to be able to do just that. Ebony ׉ 7cassandra://_AJx1fekjUn5aTNqxvIAo19CAYIpGpFpDNau713S-Bk#`arKP׉Eyknows that’s a ways down the road, but she’s keeping it and Courageous Fire, LLC in her back pocket for that day. “This might just be okay after all,” Ebony thought to herself, as she threw the frisbee and watched Squeaker and Sidekick playfully tussle over it. A slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth and her shoulders slightly relaxed, as she let herself enjoy her long overdue reacquaintance with her faithful friends. Ebony wanted me to tell you that digital stalking has continued to evolve and can now include so much more than texting and email, such as social media, apps, GPS, and cameras.13 I’m sharing Ebony’s story as a wake up call for Black women to take stalking seriously. You did NOTHING to deserve this behavior and there are specific laws in Iowa that apply to stalking14 ; you are NOT powerless, Beautiful. Blessings. #Permission By Courageous Fire DV Advocate & Founder of Courageous Fire, LLC Engage with the mission and movement of Courageous Fire, LLC in the following ways: 13 14 What is Digital Abuse, article by BreaktheSilenceDV.org Specific law 708.11 against stalking in Iowa on WomensLaw.org website: Stalking 21 1. Make sure your current relationship is healthy: The Hotline.org, Phone: 800-799-7233 2. If you’re in an abusive relationship, talk to The Hotline.org to commence safety planning 3. Survivor and stable in your new life? Sign up for Empowerment through the Arts™; avoid future DV cycles: Future DV Prevention 4. Community member? Support the survivors: Awareness Education; Community Support Education 5. Want to financially support the work? Donate Here See What Urban Can Do for You! ׉ 7cassandra://RQ_nNI0-Wn6z6Bb4_XvwKDog2KbpKRvsZbAiI6suQ7E H`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://6aR93T3gUNK-e1dsl7X7DxZa-2CC58LC3W_LPWlLU8Y`׉ 7cassandra://DkAYjtABP5AU7C1-cdChmVa2msgWO0qfKPsKBoqI2f0͐`s׉ 7cassandra://3X9_rN2s211mjYdaxhT5qxxmoeCUTtvrVFqVHBbHxNw2`׉ 7cassandra://CqIpoRDNxVIMHSrrBRwkZxQDyde6ugDnDExix5gP6JU4͠]arKQVט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://zas-TPLSsLivxQskw24OQE6oTVczeoohARC3UGejuoIи`׉ 7cassandra://0b9oyhTf0oLOXuq8vDxXVgJRtPq_PxF9NiaGNKcIQBU͗`s׉ 7cassandra://u6_vTa3oxrv1PFjh3tuhL3G_Bw4LplvmPR_kX_oY0M0'`׉ 7cassandra://Qz2gjjGvRcBL2LEOH1n8RFbPlrtX442oPZEiNdgRCOAAk͠]arKQ[׉E׉ 7cassandra://3X9_rN2s211mjYdaxhT5qxxmoeCUTtvrVFqVHBbHxNw2`arKP׉E:Iowan of the Week Owner of Iowa Urban Media; Executive Director of Iowa Juneteenth Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dwana Bradley as Iowan of the Week. Dwana is a mother, a business owner, an educator, and a long-time community advocate. She believes education is the key to life, which speaks to her passion and career as a teacher. Dwana received a bachelor’s degree in child and family services from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in elementary education and literacy from Drake University, and a specialist’s degree in administration. She went on to graduate from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, and for almost seven years she worked as a reading interventionist with Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) to help students reach their potential. In 2019, she was elected to the Des Moines School Board and currently serves as the chair of the board. Dwana did not let the COVID-19 pandemic slow her drive to educate young Iowans. As chairwoman, she serves in an outreach role to help underserved communities attain higher education and is working to stem the negative impact of COVID-19 on students, especially those who were already struggling in school or falling behind. Dwana also owns Iowa Urban Media, a community-focused publishing company, and is the editor-in-chief for the Urban Experience Magazine, a monthly publication that shares news in the African American community and seeks to empower voices through positivity. Her journalism promotes education, an open dialogue, and a space to have important conversations about issues affecting Iowans. 23 ׉ 7cassandra://u6_vTa3oxrv1PFjh3tuhL3G_Bw4LplvmPR_kX_oY0M0'`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://qoKMXsXxD5bhOe-UzgqkcGGJT-pP8RWIUlIUd37dsCE>`׉ 7cassandra://AGzRb_H-4JwO9MeJDVZOBT_zmcrQSKk0bCV6Ql5MkfY͊`s׉ 7cassandra://i9kQdy996-XGXGAhx7_0pOB2COI7ENvHCLtI520umS8+`׉ 7cassandra://qeYw0Rn-1vizxCI-EzZbn7VszQfSKc_i6X2CbsthJqA͠]arKQ]ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://V9UjUXl1ae8n2nrIXHEhaglnkB9gehBlCog_gDcLtfYY`׉ 7cassandra://aJwB4TuggAcNioFBuocPbIbNcyU_IXh7aK76BtU0f1Qz#`s׉ 7cassandra://oATwCrK7t6-2tClL29DGibxisrmwSkxEd70cT5QMtqw*`׉ 7cassandra://rFiGtrrkaiyguJz06t9PHMPss2DGiak7XXYX8LqHYOk͠]arKQ^נarKQdj 9ׁH http://nationwide.com/diversity.ׁ ׁ ЈנarKQcx̫9ׁHhttp://drake.edu/brightׁ ׁ Ј׉E-She passionately believes that these conversations are a crucial step towards achieving justice. In addition to her commendable career in education, Dwana is an active advocate. She is the executive director of Iowa Juneteenth and chairs a committee for Iowa Juneteenth Observance, volunteers on the DMPS attendance committee, and still makes time to direct the choir at True Bible Baptist Church. As executive director of Iowa Juneteenth and chair on a committee for Iowa Juneteenth Observance, she helps put on events, educate the public, and celebrate with Iowans across the state for the annual commemoration of Juneteenth: the date the last enslaved African Americans were granted freedom in 1865, ending slavery in the United States. Just this week, Congress finally passed a bill to formally recognize Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday after decades of activism from Americans. As we gather this weekend to observe Juneteenth and join in community celebrations and educational events, let us thank Dwana and her team for their efforts to bring Iowans together to share stories, experiences, and history with one another. She is a fantastic educator, a proud voice in the community, and a fervent advocate for uplifting Iowans. Please join me in honoring Dwana Bradley as our Iowan of the Week. ׉ 7cassandra://i9kQdy996-XGXGAhx7_0pOB2COI7ENvHCLtI520umS8+`arKP׉EInspired by a great leader, Bright College is taking a new approach to education. ationwide is on your side. Want to do school differently? So do we. Our two-year associate degrees are designed to accelerate your career. drake.edu/bright Embracing a culture for all Nationwide is a proud sponsor of the Iowa Juneteenth Observance. An inclusive workforce is crucial to our success, which is why we are committed to attracting, developing and retaining unique, talented and diverse associates. We are proud of our inclusive culture that supports every associate’s success and encourages an environment where they can feel challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. See how Nationwide values diversity, equity and inclusion at nationwide.com/diversity. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2021 Nationwide CPR-1155AO (05/21) 25 ׉ 7cassandra://oATwCrK7t6-2tClL29DGibxisrmwSkxEd70cT5QMtqw*`arKParKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://fPypZuvvDCAZw6EGv5e7GL96_N6P-kgwy_b9WHY7128`׉ 7cassandra://-m0ARcMYWQAUILMCnMUkmD8F9OS46uuK3jYm8sGQFBU͘A`s׉ 7cassandra://6IUcejPoPBJId8SbY5iXVUKDcXiRYjwUR31m0Va0lGM+`׉ 7cassandra://PVmulOdXlga_bnzEvdXHIrcKXxtNp2xqXZUEhNa8zF4ۆ͠]arKQ`ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://EH7LKuEeNyz6mQ-ZOkyXh3TNy-t4BPsF6_Fc4CTJvM8.9`׉ 7cassandra://LWH0w6sFK765CzQrCd6zToEefyVJ3AMXm7lHIGezd4Mv`s׉ 7cassandra://l3LJskBGS0WkyLzVrxTrZmJ-QqIjYLjzVp2eMLxaGcg)`׉ 7cassandra://5ZaoN_eGFFzs2dda5QP_C4sBDdYTrYjzsaHX8z34W2AP͠]arKQa׉E|I’m RJ Miller. I’m an Urban Conservative running for Iowa State House. I run not as a Politician nor a saint but as a concerned member of this Community. I’ve made mistakes and had a troubled past, but I’ve put my past behind me and made the necessary changes to turn my life around. I know if I’ve changed, I believe others can do the same which is why I believe in restoration and redemption of individuals in our communities. The issues I AM adamant about fighting for our mental health, which is often overlooked, and many people are afraid or ashamed to seek help. I think it’s important to seek help and to step outside your comfort zone to better your mind. RJ Miller Urban Conservative Running for Iowa State House I believe in improving the educational system. Our students need life skills taught in our classrooms, financial literacy to have a basic understanding of banking and investing to name a few and accurate history should be taught. We need to get rid of indoctrination and create intellectual thinkers who will make an impact on the areas in which they represent. I want to put an end to sexual assault and human trafficking and collaborate with others to make our communities safe for our women and children regardless of your label Democrat or Republican. The issues need to be addressed and I believe I’m the right person to make a difference in our city and state. ׉ 7cassandra://6IUcejPoPBJId8SbY5iXVUKDcXiRYjwUR31m0Va0lGM+`arKP׉E׉ 7cassandra://l3LJskBGS0WkyLzVrxTrZmJ-QqIjYLjzVp2eMLxaGcg)`arKQarKP(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://PzytPpdYotdc5UYb68D76dY8wFhzOGLir3PeFAJeMKY]`׉ 7cassandra://Ct0A2XrgMJRah_xOk0bfmOjYTvN3BtOhUtMrNRtB0dY͈`s׉ 7cassandra://lJYXd9n53zpIjngoe7SQ3rZsFBkSILnBSNIFpHDyesA'`׉ 7cassandra://sbeNbRAfJz967QI6eJonhuqhGMhpt8ho4KHVA04W_dgV͠]arKQeט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://yVM_gf6IXccUr5Wlfyo2YIer-32EKhHJYdWiN8TqQyIx`׉ 7cassandra://L6SexxOZGG6RitP6X9o620rBGj7VsSTH-e9pL_pXVAc͂`s׉ 7cassandra://bWQua8aVT0b3MdKMwcPDAXEO-dLLo6KIFXjkbPrM6-k#M`׉ 7cassandra://CGB7w_smH9kEmuFXDxs63KJXdOkBJRxRVmnvVq6RFY0@2X͠]arKQf׉EBy: Alzheimer’s Association Aducanumab (Aduhelm™) has been approved as a treatment for Alzheimer’s by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the first FDAapproved therapy to potentially delay decline from the disease, compared to current medications that only address symptoms. It is also the first therapy to demonstrate that removing amyloid from the brain may delay decline in people living with Alzheimer’s. Approval of this therapy underscores the importance of early detection and diagnosis to ensure individuals receive the most benefit as soon as possible. The historic approval of aducanumab ushers in an exciting era in Alzheimer’s and dementia treatment and research. Approvals of the first drug in a new category benefit people living with the disease by invigorating the field, increasing investments in treatments and generating innovation. Aducanumab FAQs Is aducanumab a cure for Alzheimer’s and all other dementia? Aduhelm — the branded drug from Biogen — is not a cure but is a very important advance for treatment. In clinical trials, it slowed the rate of cognitive and functional decline. This could mean more time for individuals to actively participate in daily life, have sustained independence and hold on to memories longer. Aducanumab was studied in people living with early Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s who showed evidence of a buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain. The therapy has not yet been tested on people with more advanced cases of dementia. Will this drug restore memories or cognitive function that has been lost? There is no evidence that aducanumab can restore lost memories or cognitive function. ׉ 7cassandra://lJYXd9n53zpIjngoe7SQ3rZsFBkSILnBSNIFpHDyesA'`arKQ׉EWhat is mild cognitive impairment? Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of memory loss or other cognitive ability loss in individuals who maintain the ability to independently perform most activities of daily living. Learn More How do I receive the Biogen treatment? If you or a loved one is experiencing memory changes, the Alzheimer’s Association strongly encourages speaking with a health care provider for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. Aducanumab may be a treatment option. How is this drug administered? Aducanumab is administered intravenously (IV) via a 45- to 60-minute infusion every 4 weeks. Infusion can be done at hospitals or infusion therapy centers, and can even be administered at a person’s home by specialized nurses. When will it be available at my doctor? Now that Aduhelm is approved, the manufacturer will need some time to ramp up large-scale production and arrange for nationwide — even global — distribution. What are the side effects? In clinical trials, the most common side effects were ARIA-E (abnormal brain changes associated with anti-amyloid treatments — most often swelling in the brain — that are spotted with neuroimaging techniques like MRI), headache, ARIA-H (micro hemorrhage/superficial siderosis) and fall. Can I take this drug with my other medications/supplements? When considering any treatment, including aducanumab, it is important to have a conversation with your health care provider to ensure you are a candidate for the treatment. This includes taking into account other health conditions, medications or supplements. How will COVID-19 impact my ability to get this treatment? Throughout the pandemic, our health care systems have adapted. People have continued to receive treatments, including infusions such as chemotherapy, with extra precautions such as social distancing and wearing a mask. Talk to your doctor to find out if aducanumab is right for you or a loved one, and discuss a plan to identify extra precautions for COVID safety. It’s a new day in the fight to end Alzheimer’s Approval of aducanumab is a milestone in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Current progress in science is significant, and we expect this will be the first of a number of treatments to come. Learn more. 29 ׉ 7cassandra://bWQua8aVT0b3MdKMwcPDAXEO-dLLo6KIFXjkbPrM6-k#M`arKQarKQ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://vgwGndLdTNrdPEitDH8NUymk35kgnb6i8ihDQdYwvHwm`׉ 7cassandra://J5TRkb5v7cXQy16h-ML4Pt1i3yxw9it5g-8WbHxL6_4͉`s׉ 7cassandra://enZmkK2h1kn10vSKlP-X-PUxSC11duyc6pS7z86kruo1`׉ 7cassandra://UUSuZvTpPjK5WVTN9SM2LnHyAMDQgd_dUJPvh8uq9yw w͠]arKQhט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://_Is-cn38hpEKGNB6p9uf5qJ3Nxs0qIBFfPJgfXXcy2E`׉ 7cassandra://f1AhnBRMx-RuPU-X4azrlhuRfeWIgj153GvNjStsbEsM`s׉ 7cassandra://EB9L9lCOb5KCGvnM_xR8OhZhBSMsGNukSS0wBSa8QEQ`׉ 7cassandra://2HZWotl778A-LovOEuu7yhw1U6Af0eqyYEJ-FD0RZiQ$"͠]arKQiנarKQma,9ׁHhttp://united55plus.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EIOWASTATEFAIR.ORG | 800.545.FAIR YOUR IOWA STATE FAIR savings discounted advanced admission tickets • Adults: $9 ($14 at the gate) • Children (ages 6-11): $5 ($8 at the gate) • Children ages 5 and under: Free Advanced admission tickets available while supplies last through August 11, convenience fees may apply. discounted advanced thrill pass wristbands Advanced Unlimited Ride Wristband: $36 (includes wristband) Good Monday–Thursday until 10 p.m. in Thrill Ville and Thrill Town for one day of unlimited rides. Advanced Thrill Pass Wristband: $25 for 35 credits (includes wristband) Good all day, any day in Thrill Ville and Thrill Town on any ride or game. state fair value pack Various family-friendly rides and activities, plus food tickets. A $34 value for $20. August 12–22 2021 ׉ 7cassandra://enZmkK2h1kn10vSKlP-X-PUxSC11duyc6pS7z86kruo1`arKQ׉E/Volunteer with United55+ Calling all volunteers 55 and older! United55+ connects hand-raisers like you with rewarding ways to give back. Volunteer for central Iowa nonprofits, make new connections, and create positive change in our community. Become a member of United55+ today! Visit: united55plus.org ׉ 7cassandra://EB9L9lCOb5KCGvnM_xR8OhZhBSMsGNukSS0wBSa8QEQ`arKQarKQ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://QK3becJwNSe4f0LF2eglSFZmJJXTCeArS19Y55o763k`׉ 7cassandra://GO-Mitrc8DUI6B14TFY35WhxGMFIsUZTL4J5_2QggmIz`s׉ 7cassandra://C4-s_9WkhPcUqswrDWD9MvnsUQxumBxrcJQfFdTY3RM&`׉ 7cassandra://9M7KOH_LU4eBj0vDqFD-SfVmgdV96xiVp_OtrxqT97oL͠]arKQlט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://qA0hTIZyuygnb_ADMDPGbC9b86hawhR8AUQ0JtQ6SVQI`׉ 7cassandra://h_AHqtD5nmpQXy1EiAtvOzoz6UwgpDMmHRdLjWfc_Xsz`s׉ 7cassandra://UGve3BQ6SzCk8VnCFj-OATxHR4Nl6v1tUVK1XO9Kkgw*`׉ 7cassandra://LpkeVEobtVRaFbdX0RvVuSN5toeOTMcev0eBdkXLiro͠]arKQnנarKQpv 9ׁHhttp://www.fhlbdm.comׁ ׁ Ј׉Eby Celeste Lawson On May 19, 2021, Central State University and Des Moines Public Schools collaborated on a virtual student recruitment activity. I first reached out to Central State University, which is listed among the nation’s 101 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and then to Iowa’s largest public school system, Des Moines Public Schools, in order to provide students, targeting graduating seniors, with information on Central State University and ways to apply for admission and financial assistance. Accordingly, I volunteered my services as the Project Coordinator. The rationale for selecting a HBCU institution, was to provide postsecondary educational opportunities to a more diverse population of students. The project contact for Des Moines Public Schools was their Counseling & Postsecondary Success Coordinator. While we were able to have Central State University provide very pertinent admissions and financial aid information, there was a very small number of Des Moines Public Schools students who participated, and it was reported that it appeared those students were only juniors or sophomores. This is disappointing because HBCUs offer some of the best programs for students seeking higher education. Although the results were not what we expected, they provided much from which to learn. Therefore, I have communicated my thoughts to the appropriate office at Des Moines Public Schools with regard to my assessment of the project. ׉ 7cassandra://C4-s_9WkhPcUqswrDWD9MvnsUQxumBxrcJQfFdTY3RM&`arKQ׉ETo Iowa parents and guardians, regardless of your school district, please know that very accomplished people of all races, such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and United States Vice President, Kamala Harris, are graduates from HBCUs. If your child(ren) will be a graduating senior, or a junior, in the coming school year, please contact your school’s counseling department for assistance with steps toward pursuing a higher education, and financial assistance, because their path to receiving a higher education is very possible! Don’t wait for someone to contact you, start the journey now! IT STARTS WITH US At FHLB Des Moines we’re committed to making a positive impact in our community. The work we do, our employees, the communities we support – diversity, equity and inclusion has always been, and will always be, at the center of it all. Join us and help us make an impact as we serve our members and support our local community. Learn more at www.fhlbdm.com DIVERSE BY DESIGN. INCLUSIVE BY INTENTION. 33 ׉ 7cassandra://UGve3BQ6SzCk8VnCFj-OATxHR4Nl6v1tUVK1XO9Kkgw*`arKQarKQ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://dg8NTBc1BCosTkTBhj1a33N8lxrm-rJXGFHt5vgfWSM`׉ 7cassandra://BHzm4QENJCCVXTBSLS8KfZEHxlzYDa2XEHheG_y-jRMG`s׉ 7cassandra://RjgzGB8K-h0HPyu8HoDxo3iJrpmGnNNc2NeoqO8acIU<`׉ 7cassandra://50C9-jX2iORIV_sja9pz1LdLAwsdHVWL9qAKqLsUb6Aͦ5 ͠]arKQqט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://mbIl_Ed_n5amYHnaUhjPaCDYM7tKL1i68epPuPFWfls$`׉ 7cassandra://PWcFTC_kcvH1uLc8vq9q7EGlaHECuJ4XMJAqXfoU3zok`s׉ 7cassandra://4ewDlwqN7v05XBJSZ6SgUUvIvhVN1fdc53e2oyHYyxc`׉ 7cassandra://vCoQ1mRVa8wXT5fhI-XB075k_0OWx1DOaiPaQeaSmBco͠]arKQrנarKQu9ׁHhttp://Athene.com/careersׁ ׁ ЈנarKQt_q9ׁHmailto:info@kimberlyforiowa.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E׉ 7cassandra://RjgzGB8K-h0HPyu8HoDxo3iJrpmGnNNc2NeoqO8acIU<`arKQ׉EDes Moines, Iowa Attorney and former Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kimberly Graham formally announces her candidacy for Polk County Attorney in 2022. Graham has been exploring a bid since March. In a statement, Graham said, “In my discussions with various community leaders, voters and elected officials over these past few months, it has become clear that the Polk County Attorney’s office is in need of reform. Polk County needs someone with the skills, background and determination to institute necessary systemic changes. Polk County doesn’t need more of the same, which earlier this year resulted in the office making national news when Des Moines Register journalist Andrea Sahouri was prosecuted for doing her job.” She will also work for more youth diversion programs in order to keep our kids out of the system while supporting their success in the future. Additionally, Graham will see that equal justice under the law is the norm, regardless of a person’s race, income or other factors. The Democratic Primary for Polk County Attorney will be in June of 2022. Current incumbent John Sarcone will not be seeking re-election. -----------------------------------------------------------All press inquiries and interview requests should be directed to info@kimberlyforiowa.com Graham plans to institute vital reforms that improve public safety, focusing the County Attorney’s Office’s resources on prosecuting violent crime and sexual assault by shifting focus away from prosecuting non-violent low level misdemeanors like marijuana possession. Proud to be Game Changers. We give people the confidence to reach higher and achieve more. You can be the difference at a company that’s changing the game. Find out more at Athene.com/careers 25001 (06/21)35 ׉ 7cassandra://4ewDlwqN7v05XBJSZ6SgUUvIvhVN1fdc53e2oyHYyxc`arKQarKQ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://NnJvTBlSZ_kXBpiFE5zFHN6A15lUS2Dd3l4YEnYA2GA`׉ 7cassandra://OzZkO_VKspy80uYpj9Ny-RDuLesdw3J7OjKKwJtVUlU`s׉ 7cassandra://YD5EPwfXjqQSsEaq-16EvgKOvxj6RaQolwnIKpEW3tc!`׉ 7cassandra://OLrZV7ceq9nBvNkdYNVWdeJdzhxsoaNqhqBgbA6EVaE=V͠]arKQvט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://CqZEk6p_r2FoTxITUWcrifL_LGDzAcFjM6X_o68k270+`׉ 7cassandra://1yjdP0HQHGKqEVAYdLU0vchaegS3aioKICCQrLhh7s0ͩD`s׉ 7cassandra://kANPRAT8KtiDWQvXcADY_wEKae54vnHgOe0kZ06l8t8%`׉ 7cassandra://VeE9OV6XCt_-T2Ocr2_CICK6LWjl1jfM66Z9ZDj_7SMAH͠]arKQw׉E“ WHILE WE WAIT TO BREATHE AGAIN ” Part 2: INHALE Sheila turned to see a sullen Miles with two lattes and her favorite snack in his hand. She attempted to get up and run over to him, but he shook his head and made his way over to her instead.“I’m sorry,” he offered with his eyes piercing a hole in the floor. She cupped his chin and lifted it so his eyes would have to meet hers. “No, I’m sorry for assuming you’d be like everyone else. I meant it when I said I don’t want anyone to be like my parents, but it wasn’t right for me to not give you that choice.”“Baby, can you just explain to me what we’ll have in store coming up? I’m here for the long haul, I just want to help out any way I can and know that you’ll get through this.” He squeezed her hand while sliding closer to her in the small bed. We. The affirmation instantly made her turn warm. The dime-sized dimples she possessed burned a hole in her cheeks as she smiled at him with love and admiration. “Well, once they finish running scans, we’ll see if I’m in the clear or if I need to get back on chemo and bed rest so they can continue monitoring. It’s not too bad; it’s just the last flare-up I had was about a year before I met you, it knocked me on my ass. It lasted for over five months. Couldn’t breathe, couldn’t keep anything down, my lips were ugly and purple,” she laughed faintly. “It was… terrible for lack of a better word. But I hadn’t been sick before that since I was seventeen. So, you see, it comes and goes. I’m sure this time will be no different.” She gave him a kiss and pushed the pager.Dr. Stevens came in shortly, along with two other nurses. The two nurses attended to Sheila taking her blood pressure while Dr. Stevens spoke to Miles. ׉ 7cassandra://YD5EPwfXjqQSsEaq-16EvgKOvxj6RaQolwnIKpEW3tc!`arKQ ׉E“Miles, while I appreciate Sheila having someone here to look out for her, I’m going to have to ask you to come back tomorrow as we don’t allow overnight visitors.” “Oh,” he looked over at Sheila, not feeling too comfortable about leaving her. “It’s fine, baby. I’ll be okay; they’ll take great care of me, I promise.” Sheila said, hoping she sounded confident. “Okay, well, I’ll be back first thing in the morning.” Still not wanting to leave, he stroked Sheila’s hair for a few moments and then bent down to kiss her forehead. He made sure to leave the pistachios with her so she could snack on them later. “I love you,” he said. “I love you too,” Sheila responded in almost a whisper. Miles barely made it out of the room before she broke down crying. She knew her doctor had nothing but bad news for her as she never cared about the rules when it came to visitors. That let Sheila know she had to tell her something she wouldn’t want Miles to know right away. “Okay, give it to me straight doctor,” Sheila had allowed herself some time to calm down. “Is it like before?” Dr. Stevens sat down. “It’s worse, sweetheart. We haven’t gotten your bloodwork back yet, but it’s your CT scan that put us on alert.” She put up the scans, and Sheila’s stomach tightened. “You see, the tumors are not just in your lungs this time, they’re showing up in your brain. Mainly in your frontal lobe, and if they get any bigger…” “I know,” Sheila put her hand up. “I pretty much lose function of my body,” she said disappointedly. Dr. Stevens nodded. “But we’re not going to let that happen, we’re going to monitor your activity and do everything we can to get rid of the tumors just like we did for the ones in your lungs.” “Okay,” Sheila gave in. She was at the point where she was just ready to accept defeat, but she trusted her doctor, and besides, Dr. Stevens had pulled through last time, so why not give her one more chance. The next day Miles showed up first thing in the morning just like he said he would. Sheila was thankful for the time alone because she was able to explain to him everything that was going on with a straight face. She knew if her voice cracked or if she showed even an ounce of uneasiness, Miles would be trying to take her to different doctors around the world for multiple opinions. Luckily for her and Dr. Stevens, he handled the news well, and when it was time to check Sheila out with the instructions that she come back for chemo in a week, he didn’t put up a fight. *** “Sheila, this is not a game to me, you’re moving in, and that’s final,” Miles threw up his arms, he was done arguing. “How many times do I have to tell you. I do not need, nor do I want you to take care of me.” Sheila fussed, equally as frustrated. It had been six months since Miles found out about Sheila’s condition. In that time, she had two back to back surgeries, three rounds of chemo, and amazingly, a new set of clear scans to match. What should’ve been a celebration had turned into suffocation for Sheila, because Miles turned into precisely what she was trying to avoid in the first place; overbearing. “If I was your husband, I would be taking care of you, but you won’t let me be that for you either. I don’t know what you want from me.” He yelled.“I want you to stop trying to placate me!” Sheila took a deep breath. “I did want to marry you, Miles, before all this happened. This is the reason I didn’t want you to find out about my illness, all we do is argue now. You want to know why I won’t marry you? Because you can’t handle it, you cannot handle what I have. You think you’re supportive and loving, but you’re not, you’re making this whole relationship about what’s wrong with me and how I have to get better.” “This is my better Miles. And if you love me like you say you do, then it will be okay with you.” Present Day: April 5,2020 Sheila toyed with the scans in her 37 ׉ 7cassandra://kANPRAT8KtiDWQvXcADY_wEKae54vnHgOe0kZ06l8t8%`arKQ arKQ (בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://U79S5fhF0ngUhzKX8DtlxjJwSXnIToHGRvSY4gllu6Q`׉ 7cassandra://-mGaDG7a7GUzGvVz2DPxWm2ewA8yUVozEqAeLzAm8Po͖B`s׉ 7cassandra://7eBNKrVb_ngJBZTSfOpc4cu40y83WKjMJAAQAcRl_eQ' `׉ 7cassandra://czEZq_auBxh4DspINegrCIVBN8PPa6DqChTa0ymuRvY͠]arKQyט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://ejTgQfx5eijrzTTpXKhcZyP4N2KjSCJlIqM1KCebP9g `׉ 7cassandra://i5ryGs_RY2DqbQD1bIwguRjT9TXoxOyl5amBTNQbMQMͧ`s׉ 7cassandra://et_mLYqLeEwj8iZ_BmUsfWfHY8MpewICosZV4Ddm5WM&2`׉ 7cassandra://OZzpbOypz5sNkn_GhzByxnj9Xf-jbfKvK7g6Ehzj3F8AH͠]arKQzנarKQ|]9ׁHhttp://going.Milׁ ׁ Ј׉Efingers as she was reminded all too well of that argument. They almost didn’t survive that, which is why she was trying to break things off with Miles, to spare them from going through it again. She felt his presence lingering in the doorway long before she felt him wrap his long and wiry arms around her torso. Arms that got him the nickname “Water hose” back at the firehouse due to their narrow but stretchy frame. Sheila didn’t mind though, she loved everything about him; from his strong, brawny chest with just a touch of curly hairs in the center to signify he was a real man, to his nice, brown and full lips, and even yes, his water hose arms, she loved all of it. She loved him. Very much. But as much as she loved him, she loved her freedom to live at will even more. The disease had taken a lot from her, so she vowed to never let it control how she enjoyed her life. “Looks like you holding something mighty important.” There was a playfulness to his tone, but his body still tensed against Sheila’s. She gave him a squeeze and then turned to face him, “There’s nothing here that you haven’t witnessed before.” She searched his face for any signs that he’d react like last time.“Okay.” He said, kissing her forehead. “Okay?” She stepped away from him as if that would give her better hearing. He pulled her back into him. “Yes, okay. I heard you loud and clear two years ago, and I felt you trying to pull away yesterday, I can’t handle that. Baby, I can handle everything else, but I can’t handle you leaving me, so. If we living in the moment, carpe diem, all that good stuff, then that’s what we do.” Sheila broke out into a huge grin and quickly ripped up the scans and tossed them in the trash. “Good. Because if you want to get married, we need to practice our honeymoon first. I’m thinking of Mexico?” She put her finger on her chin, pretending to think. “Wherever you want to go is where I’ll be the happiest.” She threw her arms around his neck and gave him a peck. “I love you, Miles.” “I love you more, Sheila.” BLOCKAGE Grief washed over Miles like waves in the Rocky Mountains, as thoughts of his last moments with Sheila plagued his mind.“Uhhh, Miles, they’re ready to start,” Phil, Miles’s older brother, informed him.“Sure.” Miles stood up and straightened out the black Calvin Klein jacket while tucking in his button-up shirt. He popped in a piece of gum and took a swig from the water bottle his brother gave him, hoping it would mask the alcohol on his breath. When he walked inside the sanctuary, the preacher had already begun talking, he caught Sheila’s mom’s attention, and she waved him over to come to sit by her. He sat there trying to listen to Reverend Fisher talk about Luke: 8 and how Sheila wasn’t dead but sleep, but his thoughts drifted again. This time he couldn’t get the image of Sheila’s sweaty face staring at him in the ambulance out of his head. She looked so much at peace, and despite the dozens of tubes hooked up to her, she looked unusually comfortable. Like she was ready for wherever she was going.Miles was shaken from his thoughts once again, this time by Sheila’s mom patting his arm. He turned to her and followed her eyes to the Reverend, Sheila’s dad, Sheila’s two cousins, and his brother looking at him waiting for him to help carry the body out to the hearse. At the time that Sheila’s dad had asked him to be a pallbearer, it sounded like a no brainer, but now the thought of him helping to carry the love of his life’s body to rot away forever made him feel nauseous. He almost stumbled, going down the stairs, but his brother carried his weight. The ride over to The Shrine of ׉ 7cassandra://7eBNKrVb_ngJBZTSfOpc4cu40y83WKjMJAAQAcRl_eQ' `arKQ ׉EkRemembrance seemed like it would go on forever in Miles’s mind, but the limo had finally pulled up. This was the part of the service that was reserved strictly for those that had spent final moments with Sheila, her parents, Miles, and Dr. Stevens. “I’ll wait outside for you, bro,” Phil gave him a supporting pat and went back inside the limo to wait. Sheila’s parents were already inside, but Miles couldn’t bring himself to watch Sheila be put away. He thought having her body be laid to rest in the mausoleum would be easier to deal with because at least she wouldn’t be buried six feet beneath the dirt. Instead, she would be right in front of him, but none of that mattered because she would still be dead in her coffin; it was all too real for Miles to handle. “You need someone to join you?” Dr. Stevens said, walking up. Miles smiled at the familiar face and extended his hand out to help her walk in the grass with her heels. “If we go this way, we can avoid the mud.” He said, thankful that he didn’t have to go in alone. The rest of their walk was filled with silence, but Miles appreciated it. It offered him somewhat of peace, and he needed that to be able to say goodbye to Sheila. “Thank you guys for coming,” Sheila’s mom said when Miles and Dr. Stevens made it inside. “We know how much you both meant to our daughter, especially you, Miles,” she turned to face him and caressed his cheek. “I’m so sorry honey, I know you wanted more time with her, but understand you gave a whole new meaning to her life and don’t ever forget that.” She turned from him before the tears could make their way down her face, and Sheila’s dad stepped in to comfort her.“I’m going to take her back home and make sure the guests are settled. Miles, son, if there’s something you ever need, don’t hesitate to call. Dr. Stevens,” he placed a hand on her shoulder, “thank you so much for taking care of our daughter as much as you could. You are the best doctor she’s had; we really appreciate it.” Dr. Stevens didn’t try to hide her emotions as tears cascaded down her cheeks. She didn’t bother wiping them. “Well, I think I’m going to go ahead and follow them out, I’ve had about as much crying as I can take. You know doctors aren’t supposed to be this attached to their patients.” She said more so to herself than to Miles. “Are you going to be okay here by yourself?” “Oh, yea. I won’t be here too much longer myself, plus my brother is outside waiting, so yea, I’ll be fine. Hey, thanks, you know for how you handled Sheila and everything, you really helped prolong her life.” “I think we all know you had more to do with prolonging her life.” She winked. “Take care, Miles.” “Then there was two,” Miles said, looking up at all the names on the wall. “At least you won’t be in here by yourself, babe.” He rubbed his hands over the shiny template with Sheila G Tiner on it. “I don’t think I can do this without you, you weren’t supposed to leave me this soon,” His voice cracked. He had been holding in his cry all day; he just couldn’t bring himself to cry in front of other people, no this cry was reserved for Sheila only. He pulled a small velvet box out of the pocket of his slacks and held it up in front of her tomb. “You got me carrying around this ring like a sucker because you left before I had the opportunity to give it to you.” He laughed as snot began to run from his nose, mixing with the tears that were now staining his entire face. He didn’t care though, he would get it all out before he had to go back to being the man made of stone, not displaying any emotions. “I love you, Sheila, please come back,” he whispered, now slouched down against the wall. “Come on, man, let’s get you home,” Phil said when he found him leaning towards the wall with the ring in one hand and the box in the other. 39 ׉ 7cassandra://et_mLYqLeEwj8iZ_BmUsfWfHY8MpewICosZV4Ddm5WM&2`arKQ arKQ (בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://eCI-wtN5u4wMeojGETiQjFDmUWR2KewCTEU_v2qTkOA{`׉ 7cassandra://KG4v1P4si0NdhFtSL6A7UFNFeB34YIB1FI7JQZbBsBs͹j`s׉ 7cassandra://SoDVqdEk0p0QGhQQNQf1e33zJ5M21w7BQs14us474Tk(@`׉ 7cassandra://j5oCx0AZHaeXgzC5k0TBZ0_JWi8FyyND4-MXtm8wjMoͺ͠]arKQ}ט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://TpqQj0TcCR0gSK7piDqGGD1O4XHXhinjbzKav4Zkelc`׉ 7cassandra://lnLfGOlhj9HplG4RYg-1PokqVjr7yLDNI6RH8XXbjg0X`s׉ 7cassandra://13lcqNqv98uYlSZpjXvwmDjjkKUSTkMYRvQJWVZ1rgQ`׉ 7cassandra://KpoEhUeBVE6XoyFoy9C9Gsgx_9AMeN4YHVMrAhADyAwwh͠]arKQ~׉EJMiles looked up at his older brother and nodded as he allowed Phil to help lift him up. They walked out of the mausoleum into pitch darkness, for which Miles was thankful for because then his brother couldn’t see the pitiful look of hopelessness on his face. When they were inside the limo, Miles made use of the space and stretched out; he didn’t want there to be any conversation, so he pretended to fall asleep. The limo driver dropped him off first, and Phil offered to stay with him, but Miles declined. “I need to be by myself, bro, I’ll be okay. I appreciate you for stepping in though, I wouldn’t have made it through the day without you.” “Of course, what is family for.” He embraced Miles for about two minutes and then patted his back. “Let me know if you need anything, baby bro, I mean that, and don’t worry about work. Captain said, you can take as much time as you need.” Miles nodded and then watched his brother get back in the limo before he shut his front door. Finally, alone with his thoughts in his house, what he had been dreading all day. There were little reminders of Sheila all throughout his home. Her scent, her artwork, she even left her bodywash in his shower. It was all too much for him, so eventually, he just went to sleep. “Baby, we’ll never make our flight if we don’t hurry up, now come on girl put some pep in your step you wanted to go to Mexico remember?” Miles said with a laugh, already six steps ahead of Sheila. “I’m trying Mil…” That was the last thing he heard as her head hit the floor. Miles immediately ran back to get her, cradling her head in his lap, “Sheila! She… Help! Help! Someone help!” Miles instantly shot up in his bed, drenched in sweat. He looked around, realizing he was in his room and not the airport. “Forget this, I’m going to work.” He jumped up, got in the shower, and after a quick wash, he was dressed and out of the house. It seems like he raced to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, but when he finally stepped into the fire station, all eyes were on him. “Miles, what are you doing here?” Chandler, the Captain asked. “I wasn’t expecting you here for at least another two weeks. We all heard about what happened with Sheila and offer our sincere apologies. And why I can’t speak for everyone else, I adored Sheila, she was a really sweet woman with a good head on her shoulders. I—” “I appreciate it, Captain,” Miles interrupted, cutting him off, “But I need to be back at work. I need something else to focus on.” The Captain nodded his head in understanding, “Well, son, if you’re serious, you can start with that over there.” He pointed to a skinny little girl with huge frizzy curls, sitting down by his office, brushing her doll’s hair. Miles didn’t understand, “You want me to babysit? What is she, your niece, or something?” “No, no, the fire from this morning at the Manor House, burned down with her folks still inside. The neighbor was watching her, but she had to go to work, and until we figure out where she can go, we volunteered to keep an eye on her. Why don’t you go keep her some company for a while.” Miles sighed, “You want me to mix my grief with hers? This isn’t the kind of focus I was talking about Cap.” “Hey, you’re a firefighter first, now that little girl’s whole life has been taken from her. I’m not telling you to compare wounds, go over there and be an adult she can feel safe with before she’s pushed off into the system.” Miles didn’t like it, but his Captain was right, he had a duty to uphold regardless of how off-centered his emotions were at the time. He walked over to the little girl and pulled up a chair beside her. For a moment, he was at a loss for words, he wasn’t used to being around children. The subject of having kids never even came up between him and Sheila, it was such a foreign concept to him. “What’s your doll’s name?” He finally found something to say. She took him in with her big brown eyes as if judging if she should talk to him or not. After a full inspection, she finally responded, “Mother Claudia.” ׉ 7cassandra://SoDVqdEk0p0QGhQQNQf1e33zJ5M21w7BQs14us474Tk(@`arKQ ׉ECrishanna Randle is a twenty-eight year old fiction writer residing in the Midwest. Her love for writing came in middle school when she would write short stories and share them with friends and family. Crishanna didn’t become serious about writing until January 2016 when she started writing the first draft to her very first novel that came out in August of 2018, titled Lily Unbloomed. She currently works as a Financial Counselor at a hospital full time while building her writing resume and creating more stories on the side. Crishanna looks forward to getting lost in more stories, making new worlds for her characters, and pursuing her purpose in storytelling Crishanna Randle Follow mE Buy Lilly Instagram 41 ׉ 7cassandra://13lcqNqv98uYlSZpjXvwmDjjkKUSTkMYRvQJWVZ1rgQ`arKQarKQ (בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Uskdi3M-8id3IRSuH73nRuNtUZvC1FUKrrDQUfGfCNw9>`׉ 7cassandra://NvTwjuTGFWAO-ChWFC75eZ7elo2gELFqEgmBAiUiqtkf`s׉ 7cassandra://Wzj2RtWM-2ltsSI1hZAyxx9zUhEth7MIf7rlLIFGErI$A`׉ 7cassandra://oDIrn3aP7VT1ShjEiIXv2foxbPca-yQMbAtZT05VZa4R%D͠]arKQט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://fDjsGFz_byAjM4M8E95UomD6nMVlswoNaEad6ZEo9EUM`׉ 7cassandra://pkDiIPQTDnL01OdOm16cVXYNMAKdNGM1AgNcS4TKs8Mz`s׉ 7cassandra://R36BNn7m67dKQMf5Jcvl28zaqLC0VKFrxhfT5TxLXP8*`׉ 7cassandra://4qSDspw5KZwYve81TkLrZmxdT_0dVphThDXydIBfuOIt͠]arKQנarKQS̞ 9ׁH http://www.imagezphotostudio.comׁ ׁ ЈנarKQS19ׁHhttps://www.facebook.com/DsmSoׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ9ׁH http://www.iowanebraskanaacp.orgׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ,9ׁHhttps://www.naacpdesmoines.org/ׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ9̺9ׁHhttp://ww.madeeasley.comׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ̴9ׁHhttp://www.vanesther.comׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ̌9ׁHhttp://www.iowajuneteenth.comׁ ׁ ЈנarKQg@9ׁH!https://www.facebook.com/ma.vs.73ׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ29ׁH https://www.facebook.com/groups/ׁ ׁ ЈנarKQy9ׁH)https://www.rootstobranchesgenealogy.com/ׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ9ׁH,https://www.facebook.com/TranZitionsBeautySaׁ ׁ ЈנarKQ̄q9ׁH)https://hiphopeinc.wixsite.com/hiphopeincׁ ׁ Ј׉ELet’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 isn’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 $25 a month for the first year. Reach out to us at: contactdsmurban@gmail.com for more details. Urban City Magazine Howell Dixon Magazine/Podcast https://urbancitymag.co/ Ruby B’s Catering Bradley Family Restaurant 515) 681-4028 https://www.facebook.com/ rubybskitchen/ ׉ 7cassandra://Wzj2RtWM-2ltsSI1hZAyxx9zUhEth7MIf7rlLIFGErI$A`arKQ׉E0Hip 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 43 ׉ 7cassandra://R36BNn7m67dKQMf5Jcvl28zaqLC0VKFrxhfT5TxLXP8*`arKQarKQ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://GPylMTcuyDhvGlFdMQS3UdfUl4KXr1yDofW4_1UnXVk0`׉ 7cassandra://vn1NZJKa2SL2LBCjkEihwkf7vVZXim1v3yvDycZIt2Q̓@`s׉ 7cassandra://ELtZXE2kiwpCyvTJzdVKqGGhZXvNO5vERlecf0vZ8Cg(`׉ 7cassandra://BLyKF_ktSH04ODt0mBGz965XTpE8pOwKpi5M852PttY@͠]arKQט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://5gYipaLraQmV101rkNcIWk489Yqvn_vNOB29UJzFd1cG`׉ 7cassandra://NkHUxfJPWP3XQxn_kjBKhWq7UOoyg-yklVIrW0zbOZMa`s׉ 7cassandra://50Xrkzt1AycILaQu_a9-QK8RX7nJy6GUwkR6SkZR8uw`׉ 7cassandra://JCrplcRG1_WopOzWjYpSI2HR2ZLIiVfTYWQx-SApWwkAp͠]arKQנarKQk9ׁHhttp://imagezphotostudio.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E DAngela Jackson’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 Lawson’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 Lawson’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. Marc Supreme’s 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 ׉ 7cassandra://ELtZXE2kiwpCyvTJzdVKqGGhZXvNO5vERlecf0vZ8Cg(`arKQ׉ETerence 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, she’s a feature writer, artist, and community organizer/social activist fighting on issues such as racial, environmental, and economic justice for over 10 years. 45 ׉ 7cassandra://50Xrkzt1AycILaQu_a9-QK8RX7nJy6GUwkR6SkZR8uw`arKQarKQ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://q0KYVBaOeMbOiUhiYWLmpHhljS44FM7cShn7EEWRBGI0`׉ 7cassandra://JZIr-4v9RUnXa1RCx66zejlq6et0M_d2DfRMZJ40wjk͛`s׉ 7cassandra://AMOinHzIL_CRqAdJIzdcprUr9bd7Xe_jcieSRBNDg14)`׉ 7cassandra://-BIAaMnFd3p7jMYHdFaRQ10hCZj-ncU3WfArxu-Ag7Qov͠]arKQט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://Tj8exFZK9aJxPiLBVh7zUiGWJxmWGqvvvCC-czL5FQ0<`׉ 7cassandra://H4-6GnQuvtm-NevQQS29hBIctPQK_rdKS5uNki0a-bMWe`s׉ 7cassandra://umcGou6IuRLjnDrPQbaLpV0BB1t138O1SJ7j0cc8t2Q`׉ 7cassandra://tPkRtzygAmKyKKlRtP1AZksl_fWWpQ2wzMzruTV5MmMɵ͘͠]arKQנarKQYW̫9ׁHhttp://coffeewithcleo.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E)Negus Sankofa Imhotep’s Bio Cleophus “Cleo” Franklin Jr.’s Bio Cleophus “Cleo” Franklin Jr.’s leadership expertise is globally recognized. His passion for designing robust business growth, brand strategies, and implementing innovative, disruptive business models have benefited many global businesses and industries. Franklin’s values and beliefs are centered on approaching difficult challenges with curiosity and a beginner’s mindset. He is a purpose-driven leader who embraces servant leadership and investing in the personal and professional development of the next generation of leaders. His leadership career spans over thirty years with John Deere, Case-New Holland, and Mahindra as a global executive. Franklin is a published author. His global leadership book Coffee with Cleo (coffeewithcleo.com) was launched in June 2020. His book highlights ten leadership lessons from his global business executive career. Through artful and engaging storytelling, it showcases how one can navigate challenges successfully in our ever-changing, fastpaced, and complex business world by using an innovative entrepreneurship mindset and proven framework to improve your livelihood, but more importantly, your life. Courageous exited a 13-year intimate partner relationship because she discovered it was steeped in multiple abuses, including psychological, sexual, and spiritual. This experience made her not only want to learn how and why it happened to her, but how she and other Black sisters could avoid it in the future. Her gift of converting personal life experiences into educational currency is well proven; however, this time she believes it has led her to develop what may be the most important work in her 9 years of curriculum design and delivery - Empowerment through the Arts™. Black trauma-informed therapists recommend it and Black female focus group participants are finding the program’s gains to be sustainable. Courageous has begun the work in the community that interacts with the Black female survivor as well, bringing tools that allow them to see the Black female victim-survivor’s needs and address them appropriately in her Awareness Education, Survivor Empowerment, and Community Support Training. She is thrilled to bring the work of Courageous Fire, LLC to the pages of the Urban Experience Magazine to keep growing the numbers of Black sisters that get the help they need. Stay Connected to Courageous: Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter 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 Iowa’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 Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Political Science from Excelsior College, a Master’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. ׉ 7cassandra://AMOinHzIL_CRqAdJIzdcprUr9bd7Xe_jcieSRBNDg14)`arKQ׉E9Calling for Submissions The Urban Experience Magazine 47 ׉ 7cassandra://umcGou6IuRLjnDrPQbaLpV0BB1t138O1SJ7j0cc8t2Q`arKQarKQ(בCט(u׉׉ 7cassandra://VNfFTh9TL3DpW2ORNpvP2fepuRv-9VN7R9hEBZN-FhI`׉ 7cassandra://ZVBDOrwTVHg4j4s60RSn4nR8pjTzoEKAqStVqkP36Zwy`s׉ 7cassandra://6A6r8bsLmEAgUghoW5hBNrJAU3ZQDXRCw4N4tp7PhFo* `׉ 7cassandra://eA373LZX-4zK4mgznDSaF6JcSHamxrfN_sYSn58Bcl8mb͠]arKQנarKQ Á9ׁHhttp://www.broadlawns.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉EMIT’S TIME TO SCHEDULE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHYSICALS PEDIATRIC CLINIC 1801 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50314 (515) 282-2700 CITYVILLE FAMILY MEDICINE 580 SW 9th Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 282-2489 DALLAS CENTER FAMILY MEDICINE 507 14th Street Dallas Center, IA 50063 (515) 992-3711 Street, Ste 100 EAST UNIVERSITY FAMILY MEDICINE 2508 E. University Avenue Des Moines, IA 50317 (515) 282-3278 FAMILY HEALTH CENTER 1761 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50314 (515) 282-2334 PRIMARY CARE CLINIC 1801 Hickman Road Des Moines, IA 50314 (515) 282-2273 All forms of insurance accepted. www.broadlawns.org ׉ 7cassandra://6A6r8bsLmEAgUghoW5hBNrJAU3ZQDXRCw4N4tp7PhFo* `arKQ׈EarKQarKQ(,#July Urban Experience Magazine 2021=Check out the July edition of the Urban Experience Magazine. aRAɃ