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A Look at Black Fusionist Society (BFS)

by Dellyssa Edinboro

On July 13, the Center for Afrofuturist Studies’ artist-in-residence, Antoine Williams, held an event entitled “Antoine Williams in Conversation with LaTanya Autry and Tiffany Holland.” This conversation brought together the dynamic and influential voices of a historian, cultural organizer, and artist, who explored a range of topics that emerged from Williams’ digital project --- Black Fusionist Society (BFS). At this talk, Williams posed the question: How can we use history, politics, and arts to understand Black identity and humanity in both our past, present, imaginative future? Arguably, Williams’ project offers the needed answers to this reflective question.

The African American Museum of Iowa’s Virtual Writing Project gathers stories about 21st century activism

by Jennifer Miller

Think about current events taking place in our nation and our state. What does present day activism look like to you? What different types of activism have you seen and practiced in recent weeks or months? The Virtual Writing Project…

Read More The African American Museum of Iowa’s Virtual Writing Project gathers stories about 21st century activism

A History of Dancing as Community with Hancher Auditorium

by Cody A. Norling

As a creative wing of a University that “seeks to advance scholarly and creative endeavors through leading-edge research and artistic production,” Hancher has done much to assist the creation of new pieces of performance art. It has commissioned more than 100 new works in its nearly 50 years of existence and its initiatives—such as the recent Embracing Complexity program—work to bring diverse voices to the stage.

Supporting Black Lives Through the Arts

by Dellyssa Edinboro

This summer, I began my work as a summer intern at the Center for Afrofuturist Studies (CAS), an artist residency program that reimagines the futures of marginalized people by creating dynamic workspaces for artists of color. This new experience coincided with a pandemic, along with protests for racial justice and calls for the dismantlement of institutionalized racism.

Living History at the Johnson County Poor Farm

by Jonathan R. Lack

This summer, I am working with Iowa Valley Resource Conservation & Development to create an audio documentary series on their Grow Johnson County initiative, a hunger relief and educational farm initiative. Working on 5 acres of land at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, the project grows a variety of fruits and vegetables that go directly to local food assistance agencies across the county, which according to Iowa Valley RC&D Food Systems Director Jake Kundert is currently home to over 20,000 food insecure people.

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