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Iowa celebrates first George Washington Carver Day

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Born into slavery, George Washington Carver would go on to become a famed scientist who worked to uplift the southern farmer and promote what is now known as sustainable agriculture. Along the way, he was the first Black student at Iowa State and Simpson College and the first Black faculty member at Iowa State.

On Iowa's first George Washington Carver Day, Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe is joined by two people who found inspiration in Carver's story — Des Moines-area lawyer Paxton Williams who has portrayed Carver hundreds of times and Iowa State University Professor Emeritus of agronomy and former George Washington Carver Endowed Chair Andrew Manu.

Guests:

  • Paxton Williams, attorney, former executive director of the George Washington Carver Birthplace Association
  • Andrew Manu, Iowa State University professor emeritus, retired George Washington Carver endowed chair
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.