The memoir 'I Don't Swim' by former Iowa state Rep. Helen Miller reads like a chronicle of America itself. In this episode, Miller talks about her parents being part of the great migration of Black families to the north, becoming an adult during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, her political career and confronting the reasons why she didn't swim. Her book chronicles painful experiences with systemic racism and injustice, but remains an uplifting read. Later, Cathy Westercamp, an Iowa swim instructor, shares tips on swimming safety. (Rep. Helen Miller is a member of the IPR Board of Directors. This episode was originally produced July 17, 2025.)
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Iowans filled a room at the Capitol Thursday morning to oppose a bill that would end a requirement for police to have yearly de-escalation and bias prevention training and remove references to affirmative action in state law. -
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took Armando Garcia Picazo into custody in August. Authorities wouldn't release him even though an immigration judge approved his bond. He sued to be released. This week, a federal judge ruled in his favor. -
The Department of Justice and the Department of Education have separately turned their attention to two of Iowa's largest school districts for programs or hiring practices they claim are racially discriminatory.
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Author Jennifer Harvey joins the program to talk about her new book, Anti-Racism As Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities and Help Create a Just World. -
Covenants in Iowa and across the country restricted Black Iowans from purchasing homes in response to the Great Migration. Iowa researchers are mapping where these covenants were put in place. -
A conversation with former Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, D-Des Moines, about what he's learned from his time in office and years of activism — plus what still needs to change.
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Former state Rep. Helen Miller on her memoir I Don't Swim. Then, water safety tips from an Iowa swim instructor.
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A special exhibit up through mid-September explores racial stereotypes and caricatures in their historic context. -
A visit to the African American Museum of Iowa, then a conversation with a mother and son artist and filmmaker duo.
