The History of Struggles against Anti-Black Racism in Iowa
- Katy Swalwell
(Iowa State University)
Abstract
Since the founding of the state in 1846, Iowans have embedded anti-black racism within the courts, schools, politics, city planning, employment, and other dimensions of social life. At the same time, however, generations of Iowans have fought bravely and creatively against this racism through individual actions, organizations, and social movements. This session shares some of the most compelling stories from an online undergraduate and graduate summer class focused on the teaching and learning of Iowa history related to struggles for social justice (CI 422/522). Some are heartbreaking and frustrating while others are inspiring and incredible. Whether their efforts had a local or national impact, Iowan’s embrace and rejection of racism in the past 150+ years is important for us to understand as we grapple with how best to address ongoing disparity, structural inequities, and oppression. Ultimately, this session asks participants to consider why this history is not more widely known and what would happen if it were.