CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (August 28, 2019) — The African-American Museum of Iowa will recognize Dr Simon Estes with a Lifetime Achievement Award and four statewide leaders during its 2019 History Makers Gala. Honorees Lorinda Ampey (Marion), Marie Christian (Davenport), Dr Raynard Kington (Grinnell), and Bridget Saffold (Waterloo) were nominated by their peers and selected by a Museum committee based on their professional and community impact as leaders. These five "History Makers" will be recognized during the Gala on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
A History Maker is an individual who, by their actions, modifies the course of history; imparting knowledge and impacting the communities in which we live. Through their existence and influence, history is forever changed. Characteristics of a History Maker include Trailblazers: African-Americans who initiated a first or showed innovation in their field and were instrumental in developing or enhancing a process that positively impacted the lives of Iowans; Change Agents: African-Americans who have made an indelible mark on their community and who have changed the lives of people in their area forever; Legacy Makers: African-Americans who have created a legacy or accomplished something that lives beyond them, or contributed to a legacy by passionately continuing an effort or participating in a movement; and Role Models: African-Americans who are outstanding role models and someone whose character and accomplishments all people can admire and emulate.
The Museum’s annual Gala brings in hundreds of statewide leaders and community members to celebrate not only the History Makers, but the continued strides of the African-American Museum of Iowa to carry out its mission to preserve, exhibit, and teach the African-American heritage of Iowa. Tickets for the Gala are available at blackiowa.org/gala. Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact the Museum for additional information. Please contact 319-862-2101 with inquiries.
About AAMI: The African-American Museum of Iowa is a statewide museum dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, and teaching Iowa’s African-American history. As Iowa’s leading educational resource on the topic, we educate more than 30,000 people each year through museum tours, traveling exhibits, research services, youth and adult education programs, and community and fundraising events.
