CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (August 8, 2024) — The African American Museum of Iowa will host its annual History Makers Gala on Thursday, October 3, 2024. The event will highlight the achievements of honorees Dr Wilfred Johnson (Waterloo), Jo Lavera and Phillip E Jones (Iowa City), Emma Squires (Cedar Rapids), James L Tillman Sr (Sioux City), and Mary L Wells (Des Moines). History Makers were nominated by their peers and selected by a Museum committee based on their professional and community impact as leaders. They will be recognized during the Gala at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Thursday, October 3, reception at 5PM, with the program at 6PM).
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. Dr Wilfred Johnson has dedicated his life to serving what he considers our greatest resource, America's youth. Dr Johnson is known nationally and internationally for his grant writing, budgeting, training, networking, and political-engagement skills. Jo Lavera and Phillip E Jones have contributed their time, talent, and treasure to many causes and organizations. Together, they have supported organizations including, but not limited to, United Action for Youth, Domestic Violence Intervention Project, Iowa Women’s Foundation, the African American Council at the University of Iowa, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Iowa City Human Rights Commission. Emma Squires’ long athletic career has led her to break down barriers, including her time as the only Black, female athlete at the University of Iowa and playing as the only woman in a fast-pitch softball league. James L Tillman Sr is a published author and videographer. His books The Journal of African-American History Volume 1 Sioux City, Iowa and The Black Experience 1950's Sioux City, Iowa, showcase the Black history of Sioux City, Iowa. Mary L Wells serves as Polk County treasurer, the first Black county treasurer in the state of Iowa. All have made an indelible mark in their respective communities and across the state.
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. “There have been so many exciting things happening this year — including re-opening the Museum following our $5M renovation. As we make the final push to close our capital campaign, this Gala is a chance to remind people not only how they can support the AAMI, but also why the AAMI’s mission is as relevant today as every day. We’re happy to celebrate these History Makers and proudly showcase Iowa’s Black history,” says AAMI Executive Director LaNisha Cassell. Funds raised at the event support the AAMI. Reservations for the Gala can be secured online at blackiowa.org/gala. This event is made possible by sponsors including presenting sponsor Enterprise Holdings. A full list of sponsors and more information about each of the honorees is available at www.blackiowa.org/gala. Contact the Museum for additional information (319-862-2101).
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 in-person and virtual museum tours, traveling exhibits, research services, youth and adult education programs, and community and fundraising events.
