Black History Month

This Iowan broke racial barriers for Black men in opera and used his acclaim and faith to give back as a philanthropist and humanitarian.

Olympian, activist and entrepreneur, Sol Butler used sports to challenge racial barriers during the Jim Crow era. His life is chronicled in the new book, 'Sol Butler: An Olympian’s Odyssey through Jim Crow America,' written by University of Dubuque professor Brian Hallstoos. Hallstoos joins the program to discuss Butler's upbringing and impact. Plus, a look at the enduring impact of the 'Iowa Bystander,' considered the oldest Black newspaper west of the Mississippi River.

100 years ago, historian Carter G. Woodson founded what would in 1976 become known as Black History Month. This centennial is happening at a time when exhibits and signage in National institutions are being altered and, in many cases, removing the stories of Black Americans. Founder and publisher of Black Iowa News Dana James and Abena Sankofa Imhotep — author and CEO of Sankofa Literary and Empowerment Group and Sankofa Literary Academy — join Talk of Iowa to talk about Black History and what this month means.

As the Olympics near, we spotlight curling — a sport often forgotten outside of the winter games, but one that thrives year-round in eastern Iowa. We hear from Emily Nelson, marketing and communications coordinator for Cedar Rapids Curling, on the sport’s history, its Olympic influence and why watching elite curlers inspires local players. Then, Charity Nebbe goes out on the ice with Kari Kozak, a founding member and events coordinator of Cedar Rapids Curling, for a crash course in sweeping and throwing stones. Later, historian Ricki King joins discusses her work preserving Iowa’s Black history amid efforts to rewrite or erase it.

The new, multi-site, month-long festival in Iowa City centers on Afrofuturistic art, fashion, literature, media and community dialogue.

Black Future Fest is a month-long celebration focusing on Afrofuturistic art, fashion and community imagination in Iowa City. On this episode, Black Future Fest organizer Latasha DeLoach and professor of journalism and African American Studies Venise Berry join to discuss Afrofuturism and the upcoming events. Later, reflecting on the legacy of Lee Swearengin, who spent decades of his life institutionalized, but made tremendous contributions to Iowa archeology.

The service and sacrifice of Black Americans in defense of the United States is believed to be a driving force in the progress of civil rights over generations.

The service and sacrifice of Black Americans in defense of the United States is believed to be a driving force in the progress of civil rights over generations.

More than 1,000 Black soldiers trained to become officers at Fort Des Moines during WWI. This year, the Iowa Historical Society will honor their service with a commemorative marker.

Iowa native Luke Stoffel wrote coming-of-age story that blends outrageous schemes, deeply personal moments and sharp cultural critiques in a journey through the 1980s and beyond.