Blog Archives

After Action Report - Civil Rights Forum Met with Theresa Greenfield

2/20/2020

After Action Report - Crisis at the Border Visit with Theresa Greenfield
Tuesday, February 18th at noon

The PACG Civil Rights Forum organized a visit with Theresa Greenfield, who is running in the Democratic primary to be the candidate to run against Senator Joni Ernst. Immigration activists from the many organizations in the Quad Cities working on immigration issues met with Ms. Greenfield to deliver our message, beginning with: "Children do not belong in detention." At the PACG Blog you can read our complete "ask" and some proposed legislation.

We are trying to set up a similar meeting with Republican candidate, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who is running in the Republican primary for the Congressional seat of retiring Representative Dave Loebsack. We will also visit with other candidates or elected officials in both Iowa and Illinois. Contact Alta if you want to participate.

Alta Price

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After Action Report - Sustainable Farming Lunch & Learn

2/19/2020

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Sustainable Farming - After Action Report
Thursday, February 13th at noon

Approximately 15 people attended a Lunch and Learn opportunity this past Thursday, February 13th, at the Eastern Avenue Branch Davenport Public Library, with Interfaith Power and Light Executive Director and farmer himself, Matt Russell, explaining the reshaping of the conventional wisdom about farmers and climate change. It is obvious we need to act fast and put policies in place; we just need the political will. Farmers are problem-solvers and public policy can overcome agribusiness barriers; however, this can only be accomplished by developing markets and consumer purchasing practices that support sustainable agriculture.

Lori McCollum

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Dr. Bobrow-Strain Lecture on the U.S. - Mexico Border at Augustana

2/16/2020

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The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez: Understanding the U.S.-Mexico Border

The Civil Rights Forum of PACG invites everyone concerned about the crisis on the southern border to attend this lecture.

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African Americans in Davenport Struggled to Educate Their Children

2/16/2020

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Did You Know About the Struggles of African Americans in Davenport to Educate Their Children?

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As part of PACG's on-going fu ndraiser to pay for a large kiosk display at the MLK Interpretive Center, the struggle African Americans had to educate their children is the subject of this week's blog post about local cultural and ethnic history.

Local historian Craig Klein has gathered the following information from research in eastern Iowa.

The Colored School Controversy
As in other midwestern states, the struggle for equality in Iowa schools began long before the Civil War. Believing that blacks were inferior to whites, members of Iowa’s First Territorial Assembly enacted a general school law in January l839 that barred black children from attending school with their white peers. As a result, when Iowa gained admission to the Union in 1846, school laws already in place prevented black children from attending the “common schools” established in each county. Paralleling other “whites only” practices sanctioned by Iowa’s early constitution, this arrangement was supported by most Iowans in the late 1840s and 1850s. However, increasingly in the 1840s and 1850s, Iowans sympathetic to the plight of blacks began to question the wisdom and morality of this school law provision. Prompted by the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850, the debate over equality in Iowa schools became heated in the 1850s. At the constitutional convention of 1857 in Iowa City, delegates favoring open enrollment for all school children met fierce opposition from die-hard opponents of equality. But when it became obvious that neither side would prevail, the convention approved compromise language that mandated the creation of separate, state-supported schools for black children. In the school law of 1858, the state legislature enacted this provision into law.[1]

The debate over equality in Iowa schools also resonated at the local level. Charting the course of the debate over this issue in Davenport, Iowa, from 1858 to early 1860, the following news articles and minutes of Board of Education meetings shed light on the controversy that arose over the city’s early “Colored School.” Though Davenport only had a handful of school-aged black children in 1858, their presence became a contentious issue. Formed in May 1858, the city’s first Board of Education apparently sought to resolve the issue by quietly allowing several black children to attend School No. 3 at the southeast corner of Sixth and Warren streets. But in a disparaging June 26, 1858, editorial, the Daily Morning News, a local newspaper with decidedly Democratic and southern sympathies, called on concerned citizens to have these children expelled-a summons that soon bore results. On September 15, 1858, thirty-eight Davenport residents signed a petition asking the Board of Education to expel “some four or five Negroes” then attending the Stone School House at the corner of Seventh and Perry streets. Because the school law of 1858 only allowed for mixed schooling if there was unanimous consent for it in the community, the Board of Education had no choice but to comply: on September 18, 1858, it ordered the expulsion of these children from the city school system.

While most citizens acknowledged that the Board had no legal recourse, the decision to remove the children disturbed many Davenporters. Seeking a solution to the crisis, they heatedly debated the issue amongst themselves, arriving shortly thereafter at a consensus to establish a separate school for black children outside the school system. Some residents favored this solution for pragmatic reasons as well: they feared opponents of tax-supported “free schools” would use the controversy to destroy the city school system. Apparently responding to public sentiment, the Board of Education moved on November 8,1858, to establish a separate school for black children in a room in the newly-constructed Baptist Church at the corner of Perry and Fourth streets. But it is unclear if this school ever opened. After failing to establish another separate school in April 1859 (whether it was in the Baptist Church or another location is unclear), the Board moved in late 1859 to establish a “Colored” school in a room in School No. 3 at the corner of Warren and Sixth streets. Opening in early December, this venture soon failed “for want of pupils.” Before mandating an open school system in the early 1860s, the Board reportedly tried one last time in l860 to establish a separate school for black school children in the Baptist Church. But this experiment was short-lived as well.

[1] Amie Cooper, “A Stony Road-Black Education in Iowa, 1838-1860,” Annals of Iowa 48(1986), 113-34

Source: Davenport’s Pioneer African American Community: A Sourcebook, p. 19

Citizen petition protesting the presence of black children in Davenport public schools. (Davenport Daily Gazette on Sept. 22, 1858) On September 15, 1858, thirty-eight Davenport citizens signed a petition protesting the presence of black children in city schools. Presented to the Davenport Board of Education, this petition appeared in the Davenport Daily Gazette on Sept. 22, 1858, along with copy of the Board’s September 18, 1858 decision to expel several black children from school. (The 1868 date on the petition is in error.)

The Stone School House - The school from which several black children were expelled in late September 1858. Bowing to demands from thirty-eight citizens, the Davenport School Board expelled several black students in late September 1858 who had been attending School No. 2, also known as the Stone School House, at the corner of Seventh and Perry Streets. Newly built in 1854, the Stone School House was later renamed Adams School.

The Baptist Church - The site of Davenport’s first colored school. Seeking to keep the controversy over racially mixed education out of the city school system, Davenport school officials moved to establish a separate school for black children in November 1858 in the newly-built Baptist Church at the southwest corner of Perry and Fourth Streets. However, it is unclear if this school opened at this time. After school officials failed to establish separate instruction for black children in School No. 3 (later known as Old Jefferson) in December 1859, black children were reportedly again placed in a segregated classroom in the Baptist Church. Probably operating in 1860, this school soon failed as well.

The Brick School House - The site of a segregated classroom for black children in late 1859. After Davenport’s first separate school for black children in the Baptist Church closed in the spring of 1859, school officials organized another "colored school" in the Brick School House at the southeast the corner of Sixth and Warren Streets. (Also known as School No. 3, the building was later renamed Jefferson School.) Though a woman named Mrs. M.A. Fearing was hired to teach this school for $20 per month, it soon closed because of low attendance.

You can help preserve this history like this by making a donation to purchase a display screen for the Martin Luther King Interactive Center.

For other Blogs in support of this project, see also:

Did You Know About African American Women's Clubs in Davenport During the Progressive Era?

Did You Know That Frederick Douglass Visited Davenport in April of 1866?

Did You Know That Aeronaut Professor John Byrd Piloted His Balloon from Davenport in August of 1883?

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Aeronaut Professor John Byrd Piloted His Balloon from Davenport in 1883

2/14/2020

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Did You Know That Aeronaut Professor John Byrd Piloted His Balloon from Davenport in 1883?

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As part of PACG's on-going fu ndraiser to pay for a large kiosk display at the MLK Interpretive Center, the Davenport visit of African American aeronaut [1] Professor John Byrd in 1883 is the subject of this week's blog post about local cultural and ethnic history.

Local historian Craig Klein has gathered the following information from newspaper articles in Davenport. We have decided to post them here in their original format because their colorful language and descriptions are an integral part of this rich history.

It should be noted that, as in all of our Blog posts on local cultural and ethnic history for the MLK Interpretive Center fund drive, PACG did its own quick search for Professor Byrd. Not surprisingly, there was no information available, including in the History of Ballooning. This online listing includes hundreds of aeronauts, dating back to the 1700s.

[Craing Klein note: This intriguing articles below were graciously contributed by Jack Martens of Winnetka, Illinois, who found them while doing research on Davenport’s German immigrant community.]

August 30, 1883 (Thursday)--Davenport Democrat--News article entitled “The Aeronaut's Flight”:
Between 4 and 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon the first balloon ascent that has been made from Davenport in a long time was accomplished by Prof. John Byrd, the colored aeronaut.  His balloon was filled at the gas works, and required 12,000 feet of gas to round it out to its full proportions of 25 in diameter and height of 30 feet.  It was then conveyed to the fair grounds and made ready for the ascent. The professor seated himself in the basket, gave the word, the ropes were loosened, and up the ship of air arose, gracefully, steadily, beautifully.  After reaching a height of a thousand feet it veered to the northwest a little, but as it mounted into a higher atmosphere, it was carried eastward, continually ascending until the professor says he was nearly two miles above the earth—so high, at any rate, that he became very cold. When over east Davenport, some of the ropes on the globe of the balloon became entangled and some broken and he clambered out of his basket and up to the cords, repaired the damage, and regained his basket for safety. People in East Davenport who were watching the balloon with glasses witnessed this hazardous feat. Having sailed in the high atmosphere until he was nearly benumbed, the professor began to descend, and between 6 and 7 o’clock he landed on the farm of Mr. E. R. Wright, about six miles north-east of the city, in safety, though the top of the balloon was rent some by bushes. His balloon stopped within about twenty feet of a hundred stand of bees; had it gone among them there would have been a sight worthy of the view of gods and men.

The professor makes another flight this afternoon, and to-morrow afternoon. Had his exhibition been known abroad, it would have been a great attraction to hundreds of people, and increased the attendance at the fair.

August 30, 1883--Davenport Daily Gazette--Excerpt from a long news article entitled “The Fair”:
A very popular feature of yesterday’s programme was the BALLOON ASCENSION
which occurred at 4:30 from the space just north of the Floral Hall. The balloon had been filled at the Gas works, and was brought to the grounds through the streets inflated, avoiding the telegraph wires by an ingenious way of handling the ropes. The ascension was entirely successful in every respect, the balloon with its captain, Prof. Byrd, rising gently from the ground, and starting first in a northwesterly direction. After reaching a considerable height it struck a current of air going in an opposite direction, and was carried slowly to the southwest, finally disappearing from sight about 6 o’clock. A team was sent in the direction, and brought the aeronaut safely back to the city.

August 31, 1883 (Friday)--Davenport Democrat--News article entitled “Up In The Balloon”:
Why didn’t you make another ascension yesterday? was the question addressed to Prof. John Byrd, the colored aeronaut, this forenoon, by one of the directors of the county agricultural association. "We had an immense crowd on the ground, and you would have made money.”

“Well, sir,” replied the professor, “in the first place, all we got for the ascension on Wednesday was four dollars, and that was discouraging enough for it didn’t pay for the gas; besides, nobody encouraged us to make an ascension yesterday; and besides, too, when we were filling the balloon yesterday at the gas works, the bag tore open at the top and let the gas out, and every foot of gas had to escape before we could mend it.  There was another loss. The next time we go up in that balloon it will be because money is held out to us before we go.”

Professor Byrd is a slightly built colored boy of mulatto-tinge, and looks as if his weight would not balance more than a hundred pounds.

As he was talking a group twenty to thirty persons had gathered about him, all expressing a wish that he would make an ascension in the afternoon.  “Well, gentlemen,” replied the professor after listening patiently to their urgings, “business is business. How much will this crowd give to see us go up in the balloon?”  And that crowd dwindled to a very small group in less than ten minutes.

“Why on earth did you leave your basket and climb up on the outside of your balloon to fool with those ropes for, as I saw in last evening’s 'Democrat,'” asked one of the gents who remained.

“It wasn’t 'on earth' at all,” replied the professor with a laugh in which the group joined; “if it had been we would have been safe enough without it; but we were a mile and a half above the earth, and we saw the ropes flying loose, and then saw a rip in the canvas which bid fair to let the gas all out pretty soon.  Now you know it wouldn’t do to let that balloon collapse and fall with us clear down to the ground from more than a mile high; you know that yourself; just fall eight or ten feet once, and you’ll be mighty careful how you fall that little distance again.  Suppose we had come down on a fall for mile and a half.  We is a small man anyhow, but by the time we got to the ground we’d be so little nobody could find us.  We had to get up and mend that rip, had to do it, and tie the flying ropes, too.  And we climbed up, and first took some sticking plaster and covered the holes, and then tied the ropes.  Had to shift the ballast though to even up the other side of the balloon, and then when we came down had to even up the ballast before we could settle down again.  It was skaery getting out there, but we had to do it or die, and any man will take mighty big risks rather than die, and you know that yourself!”

The professor has the habit of speaking of himself in the plural.  It is “we” all the time with him.  In answer to other questions he said the balloon was made of cambric, and that it cost him $160 [2].  The ascension on Wednesday was the sixteenth that he had made, and about the “prettiest,” he believed.   When he was at the highest, the earth looked all alike, save the Mississippi river was like a narrow ribbon.  He went on up until he couldn’t see the river for the great clouds that were moving beneath him like “great rolling hills of snow”; and, what was strange, people on the ground could see the balloon all the time, notwithstanding the clouds, while he could see nothing but clouds beneath him.  He couldn’t understand it.  One can have a very interesting talk with the professor about his ascension.


August 31, 1883--Davenport Daily Gazette--News note in “Davenport Briefs”:
Prof. Byrd, the colored aeronaut, goes from here in a few days to Macomb, Ill., where he will make two ascensions, and from there he will go to Iowa City.  His ascension here was a success in every particular.

You can help preserve this history like this by making a donation to purchase a display screen for the Martin Luther King Interactive Center.

For other Blogs in support of this project, see also:

Did You Know About African American Women's Clubs in Davenport During the Progressive Era?

Did You Know That Frederick Douglass Visited Davenport in April of 1866?

[1] aeronaut: one who operates or travels in an airship or balloon
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aeronaut
[2] If purchased today, the balloon would cost about $4000.

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Frederick Douglass' Visit to Davenport in 1866

2/14/2020

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Did You Know That Frederick Douglass Visited
Davenport in April of 1866?

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Frederick Douglass
(image courtesy of the Library of Congress)
During a lecture tour in Iowa and Illinois in late April 1866, black anti-slavery advocate Frederick Douglass spoke before a standing-room-only audience in Davenport's Metropolitan Hall on April 27, 1866. Addressing the question of What shall be done with the negro? during the period of Reconstruction, Douglass eloquently appealed for black male suffrage and full political equality before the law. Well received by his listeners, his extemporaneous talk lasted two hours.

Craig Klein shared this 1857 artist's sketch of Metropolitan Hall, where Frederick Douglass spoke. The Davenport Public Library special collections department located the image.

The Davenport Public Library special collections department also located the image below of an announcement in the paper regarding Mr. Douglass' upcoming presentation.

As part of PACG's on-going fu ndraiser to pay for a large kiosk display at the MLK Interpretive Center, Frederick Douglass's lectures in Iowa and Davenport are the subject of this week's blog post about local cultural and ethnic history.

Frederick Douglass (c. February 1818 – February 20, 1895) was an American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman. After escaping from slavery in Maryland, he became a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York, gaining note for his oratory and incisive antislavery writings.[1]

Local historian Craig Klein has gathered the following information from newspaper articles in Iowa. We have decided to post them here in their original format because the language and descriptions used by the articles' authors is definitely a part of this rich history.

April 25, 1866 (Wednesday)—Davenport Daily Gazette--Announcement of Frederick Douglass' lecture schedule:
By letters received from George S. Bowen, Esq. of Chicago, his Western Agent, we see Mr. Douglass has refused over thirty invitations to lecture in the West from lack of time.  He speaks in Moline Wednesday night, Muscatine Thursday, Davenport Friday, Morris Saturday, and Chicago next Monday, and is paid $100 for each lecture. [note: in 2020 this fee would be just over $3000.]

April 27, 1866 (Friday)—Davenport Daily Gazette--News item entitled The Lecture To-Night
The orator who to-night addresses our citizens at Metropolitan Hall was once and for many long and bitter years a slave-owned, held, and assessed as “chattels personal.”  At length he yielded to the promptings of his nature, gave scope to his ardent yearnings, and sought freedom in flight towards the North Star.  Then followed earnest efforts for knowledge; prolonged conflict with poverty; fierce contests against the hateful spirit of caste, which denied him his manhood; and, a length substantial victory.  In this at least, his triumph is complete in earning and winning for himself a confessed intellectual equality with the ablest and best logicians and orators of the country, and an undeniable superiority to thousands who in speeches in the legislative halls and on the stump have vainly tried to establish color of skin as a test of mental power, political rights, and moral worth.  This self-made man--if ever a man made himself by the industrious cultivation of God-given power is now one of the best, to say the least, public speakers in the United States.  Everywhere crowded audiences listen to and are profited by his irresistible arguments and eloquent appeals; and everywhere those who listen once would gladly hear again.  We need urge no friend of freedom to attend Metropolitan Hall tonight.  We would rather urge the attendance of those who have hitherto denied the capability of the colored race and would yet deprive them of full political equality before the law.  We could wish that every “anti-negro suffrage” man in this vicinity might hear Mr. Douglass tonight, and then tell us, if possible, why color of the skin should longer be the test of fitness to use the ballot.  There will be a crowded house tonight, sure, and we advise those who want good seat to go early.  Tickets at Luse & Griggs'.

April 28, 1866 (Saturday)—Davenport Daily Gazette--Newspaper article entitled Fred. Douglass on Suffrage that summarized and commented on Douglass' talk the previous evening:
The lecture of Fred. Douglass at the Metropolitan Hall last night, delivered to an audience which crowded every available seat and in part only found standing room, embraced and was mainly composed of a solid, logical earnest and unanswerable argument in behalf of impartial and universal suffrage.  “Reconstruction” was announced as the subject of the lecture, but that was but the text for the real theme.  Introducing text and argument by a rapid glance at the grave perils which now environ the country, with a President determined to enforce his policy if at all within the reach of possibility, with traitors where loyal men only ought to be and loyal men in places which traitors ought to fill, Mr. Douglass proceeded to state that the whole question of “Reconstruction” centers in and is embraced in the solution of the negro problem. “What shall be done with the negro” this lecturer urged is the question of the hour.  The answer was given by Mr. D. in a word--Give the negro the ballot; and to the support and defense of this answer the lecturer devoted the greater part of his effort.  He argued that the elective franchise should be extended to the negro because he is “a man;” because the ballot is necessary for his education; because it is essential to his protection; because he has earned it; because the Nation owes it to him for his help in the hour of trial and danger; because the Nation may need him again; because without giving it the National honor cannot be vindicated; because this is a country of universal suffrage; because the National peace will be hereby assured; and because sound Statesmanship requires it.  In enforcing these several reasons, Mr. Douglass presented argument after argument in a manner so clear and so convincing that it would seem impossible for any intelligent listener to escape his conclusions.  He showed how well and how nobly the negroes of the United States have vindicated their manhood, and how heroically they have attested their devotion to a country to which they owed nothing and from which they had received nothing but oppression and wrong.  He demonstrated the utter folly of the colonization scheme.  He exposed to deserved ridicule the idea that the negro must become annihilated and the whole race, in the United States, become extinct under the advancing tread of Anglo Saxon civilization; and made his hearers understand very clearly that the last hope of the extinction of the American negro expired with the death of that system under which alone there was possibility that they could “fade” out.

The objections to negro suffrage were briefly but forcibly met, particular attention being given to those on which Mr. Johnson lays so much stress.  Mr. Douglass showed conclusively that no possible evil would or could result from the doings of justice to all men in the Republic and the carrying out of the great principles of the Declaration of Independence and of the Constitution.

Thus much as a faint outline of this very able lecture.  Of its delivery we need only say that Douglass has lost much of his fire since we first heard him, in Albany, nearly twenty years ago.  His utterance is very deliberate and at times unpleasantly slow.  He seldom indulges in pathos and his style is entirely free from labored attempts to arouse the feelings of his auditors.  As stern fact, a new idea or an old one presented in a fresh light, a strong argument, a fervid appeal or a happy hit, over and anon occasions an outburst of applause, but no metaphors, illustrations or anecdotes are introduced by the lecturer to that end.  The lecturer and his audience move steadily on from premises to argument and from argument to conclusion, under the pressure of words simple and well chosen for that end.  Here is his strength as a public speaker.  Even while listening to him and moved by his argument and appeals, one is inclined to deny him the praise of being a great orator; yet if the provinces of oratory is to convince and arouse those to whom its words are addressed, it would be difficult to name many living orators, in the United States at least, greater than Fred. Douglass.  With more of the fire of youth, he would entrance and inspire an audience as powerfully as he now instructs and interests.  Yet this “man” was once and long a slave in these United States, and today if a citizen of Iowa, native American though he is, could not vote for a town constable, while thousands who were ten, eight or six years ago in other lands in utter ignorance of American institutions are gladly welcomed to the ballot box!  “This ought ye to have done and not left the other undone!” Let us pray for and “work” for, and fight for the grand victory for Justice and Liberty when all men of every race and color shall enjoy that perfect equality before the law that is their just due.  In Iowa, at least, the battle has been well begun.  The victory is surely coming and cannot be delayed.

The lecture occupied two hours in delivery and was almost wholly extemporaneous; Mr. Douglass had several sheets of notes but referred to them but three or four times.

You can help preserve this history like this by making a donation to purchase a display screen for the Martin Luther King Interactive Center.

For other Blogs in support of this project, see also:

Did You Know About African American Women's Clubs in Davenport During the Progressive Era?

Did You Know That Aeronaut Professor John Byrd Piloted His Balloon from Davenportin August of 1883?

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Douglass

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After Action Report - Climate Crisis Parade

2/12/2020

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Climate Crisis Parade - After Action Report
Saturday, February 1st at 12:00 pm

Bold Iowa

On February 1st Bold Iowa, along with nearly 70 other organizations, marched in Des Moines to demonstrate the climate crisis. PACG was a co-sponsor of this event along with the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities (UUCQC).

Nearly a dozen members of the Quad Cities traveled with 100 Grannies from Iowa City to march alongside others. Speeches by young members of the Indigenous community launched the parade. The emphasis was to note the lack of coverage of this crisis by the local and national media.

Ironically, they once, again, failed to adequately cover the event. Nearly 1000 marched in the event, while the Des Moines Register mentioned only 400 marchers. See more photos below taken by Mike Wilcox, member of PACG, UUCQC, and President of the Eagle View Chapter of the Sierra Club.

(images below by Michael Wilcox)

Lori McCollum

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Iowa Voting Rights Restoration Lobby Day in Des Moines

2/12/2020

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Iowa Voting Rights Restoration Lobby Day
Monday, February 17th at 2:00 pm in Des Moines

Civil Rights Forum

Our Forum is part of a statewide coalition that is working to pass HJR14 in Iowa. This House Joint Resolution would amend the Constitution to restore voting rights to people once they are off parole or probation. Iowa is currently the only state that permanently bans voting rights for these individuals. People can presently appeal through the governor, but that option may change with a new governor.

Our coalition is having a Lobby Day at the State Capitol in Des Moines on Monday, February 17th at 2:00 pm. We will provide transportation to and from this event.

Pastor Dwayne Hodges is leading the local efforts to organize people who are directly impacted by this issue. EXPO (Ex-incarcerated People Organizing) is a group being established for this purpose.

It is important that we show up to let our legislators know that we want everyone to have the right to vote.

If you are interested in participating in this fun event, please contact Amber Bordolo.

Alta Price

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Donate to Preserve Local Cultural & Ethnic History

2/10/2020

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PACG Fund Drive to Buy a Large Kiosk Display Screen at
the MLK Interpretive Center

Donate to Help Preserve Local Cultural and Ethnic History

In honor of African American History month, and in support of the Friends of the MLK Interpretive Center’s efforts to preserve local African American history, the Civil Rights Forum of Progressive Action for the Common Good is holding a fund drive. Our goal is to raise $2,200 to donate to the Friends of the MLK Interpretive Center to purchase a large interactive screen (one of seven needed) to share this history with the public.

Another goal is to make people aware of the MLK Interpretive Center and of the rich local history of the African American community in Davenport. Local historian Craig Klein, a University of Iowa graduate student, has researched the first three generations of Davenport's pioneer African American community, from the late 1840s to the mid-1920s. His work is documented in a 900-page manuscript titled Davenport's Pioneer African-American Community: A Sourcebook. His Sourcebook will provide material for many of the display screens at the MKL Interpretive Center.

We will share some of this history with you over the month in the Weekly Email Update (WEU) and our PACG Blog.

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The MLK Interpretive Center in Davenport, IA

2/8/2020

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What is the MLK Interpretive Center?

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The MLK Interpretive Center is in downtown Davenport between Brady and Perry, just north of the railroad tracks. It is housed in a building that includes mixed income housing. The land adjacent to the Interpretive Center will one day become a memorial plaza. The Friends of the MLK Interpretive Center is a charitable, 501(c)(3) non profit that, as one of its missions, supports development and maintenance of the interpretive center and adjacent memorial plaza.

How Will the Funds Raised by PACG Help
the MLK Interpretive Center?

The MLK Interpretive Center will have large and small display screens (kiosks) with local African American history, as well as other cultural and ethnic history (eg, Mexican American, Native American). Some of the screens will be interactive. The picture below shows what the kiosks look like. One of the large display screens has already been installed. PACG hopes to fund the installation of one of the remaining large display screens.

Also notice the beautiful mural depicting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, as well as other figures and elements tied to the history of our community.

Donate Here to Preserve Local Cultural and Ethnic History

The History of the MLK Interpretive Center

The Martin Luther King Plaza and Interpretive Center was founded to commemorate the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2014 the Davenport City Council voted unanimously to use the 5th Street lot between Brady Street and Perry Street for the development of the Davenport, Iowa Martin Luther King Memorial Park.

This site was chosen due to its significant history, including:

The property was the location of mixed race restaurant, entertainment, and rooming houses from at least the 1880's to the 1940's.
The first African American owned business was located on the property. Linsey Pitts was a former slave from Missouri and a veteran from the Civil War. Before his business he worked as a laborer and a barber. Eventually, Linsey opened the very first African American saloon at 120 E 5th St.
The area along 5th Street was derogatorily called "Africa Row," "Darktown Row," or "Ethiopia" by local newspapers.
The area was frequented by famished African American train passengers getting off the train at the nearby Chicago, Pacific, and Rock Island depot.
The property is possibly the location of the Blue Bird Tavern, a legendary hot jazz and dance spot in the "Black" part of town. Legend has it that young talents such as Bix Beiderbecke also performed here after hours.

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<<Previous

After Action Report - Crisis at the Border Visit with Theresa GreenfieldTuesday, February 18th at noon

Sustainable Farming - After Action ReportThursday, February 13th at noon

The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez: Understanding the U.S.-Mexico Border

Did You Know About the Struggles of African Americans in Davenport to Educate Their Children?

Did You Know That Aeronaut Professor John Byrd Piloted His Balloon from Davenport​ in 1883?

Did You Know That Frederick Douglass Visited ​Davenport in April of 1866?

Craig Klein shared this 1857 artist's sketch of Metropolitan Hall, where Frederick Douglass spoke. The Davenport Public Library special collections department located the image.

Climate Crisis Parade - After Action ReportSaturday, February 1st at 12:00 pm

Iowa Voting Rights Restoration Lobby Day Monday, February 17th at 2:00 pm in Des Moines

PACG Fund Drive to Buy a Large Kiosk Display Screen at​the MLK Interpretive Center

What is the MLK Interpretive Center?

How Will the Funds Raised by PACG Help ​the MLK Interpretive Center?

The History of the MLK Interpretive Center

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After Action Report - Crisis at the Border Visit with Theresa Greenfield
Tuesday, February 18th at noon

Sustainable Farming - After Action Report
Thursday, February 13th at noon

Did You Know That Aeronaut Professor John Byrd Piloted His Balloon from Davenport in 1883?

Did You Know That Frederick Douglass Visited
Davenport in April of 1866?

Climate Crisis Parade - After Action Report
Saturday, February 1st at 12:00 pm

Iowa Voting Rights Restoration Lobby Day
Monday, February 17th at 2:00 pm in Des Moines

PACG Fund Drive to Buy a Large Kiosk Display Screen at
the MLK Interpretive Center

How Will the Funds Raised by PACG Help
the MLK Interpretive Center?