HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-2024 Human Rights CommissionHuman Rights Commission
March 26, 2024
Regular Meeting — 5:30 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Agenda:
i. Call the meeting to order and roll call
2. Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement
3. Approval of the February 27, 2024, meeting minutes
4. Public comment on items not on the agenda. (Commentators shall address the
Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in
discussion with the public or one another concerning said items)
5. Correspondence
6. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department
7. Presentation by Lulu Merle Johnson Exhibit Project
s. Presentation by Community Transportation Committee
9. Racial Equity & Social Justice Grant Updates FY23, FY24, FY25
• Update to Rubric FY25
• Decrease Maximum Amount that Can be Requested
10. NCJC Gala, April 12, 6:30-9:30PM
11. Disability Health & Safety Expo, April 14 2-4:30PM Robert A. Lee
12. Funding Request: Coralville Asian Festival
13. Trans Day of Visibility Proclamation and Event
14. Commission Committees
• Building Bridges (Paul Shantz, Kollasch, Pandya)
• Reciprocal Relationships (Lusala, Pries)
Breaking Bread (Dr. Liz, Qaduora)
15. Staff Announcements
16. Commissioner Announcements (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion
with one another concerning said announcements)
17. Adjournment
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all City of Iowa City -
sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable
accommodation in order to participate in these events, please contact the Office
of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or humanrights(Mowa-city.org.
Native American land Acknowledgement
Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human
Rights Commission
PURPOSE
Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous Peoples who were the original stewards of this land
and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments
in order to make this moment possible. Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward
reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land
Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration,
and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also
address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today. The Ad Hoc Truth
and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of
Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
To be read at all public meetings and events:
"We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of
Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of
Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk, and because
history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the
ancient connections of many other Indigenous Peoples here. The history of broken
treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands
was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the
Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we
work toward equity, restoration, and reparations."
LEARN MORE
Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide
Meskwaki Nation - History
Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as
members of the public, for their input.
Draft Minutes
Human Rights Commission
February 27, 2024
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Jahnavi Pandya, Doug Kollasch, Kelsey Paul Shantz, Elizabeth Mendez Shannon,
Viana Qaduora, Roger Lusala, Ahmed Ismail.
Commissioners on Zoom: None.
Commissioners absent: Sylvia Jons, Mark Pries.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Sergeant Kevin Bailey.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: 5:31 PM.
Native American Land Acknowledgement: Ismail read the Land Acknowledgement.
Presentation to outgoing commissioner Ahmed Ismail: Ismail will be moving for work therefore he will no
longer be able to hold his position on the commission. Ahmed received a plaque for his services.
Correspondence: Staff responded to an email from a commissioner out of West Des Moines. They would
like to collaborate with commissions across the state to spread awareness of civil rights.
Approval of January 23, 2024, meeting minutes: Paul Shantz moved, and Lusala seconded. The motion
passed 7-0.
Public comment of items not on the agenda: None.
Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: Sergeant Bailey reviewed what he and
the engagement team did in February. Sergeant Bailey said they will be continuing lessons on financial aid
abuse of seniors as it is a popular program. Planning and preparation for summer activities continues.
Bailey summarized his experience with the incarcerated art program, his presentation at the University of
Iowa about Policing in America (defense perspective vs. policing perspective), daycare safety presentation,
and "Project Fun" and the turn out. Updates and feedback from the food bank drive, soul food dinner, and
immigrant Q&A were also covered. Bailey noted that officer involvement has improved across the force.
Bailey ended his update answering questions from the commission, including language barriers and what is
in store for future immigration conversations. Sergeant Bailey stated an increase in participation in these
conversations will require childcare, flexible scheduling, and possible recordings or emails to allow for
accessibility.
Trans Day of Visibility proclamation and event: It is stated and agreed that a Trans Day of Visibility event.
There is a draft of the proclamation started and it will be sent to staff to submit for the Mayor's
consideration. It is suggested that a program/event be planned for near the actual date of March 31.
Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant: Grant applications are being evaluated at the time of this meeting.
A loose deadline for individual grant rankings is this Friday.
Commissioners discussed what the upcoming special meeting dedicated to reviewing the grant
applications and making a recommendation to City Council will look like, and staff reminded everyone to
bring their grant rubrics to have and use at that upcoming meeting.
Commission Committees:
Building Bridges (Paul Shantz, Kollasch, Pandya)
Breaking Bread (Dr. Liz, Qaduora)
Reciprocal Relationships (Lusala, Pries)
Jons will be able to select where she would like to serve between the Breaking Bread and Reciprocal
Relationships committees.
Efforts to avoid commission committees' participation declining throughout the year was discussed with a
suggestion to incorporate set roles, which would be represented as F.O.R.
• F: Facilitator- keep meeting on track, set agenda, define next steps.
• 0: Organizer- provide date, time, location, and/or zoom link.
• R: Recorder- take notes, submit notes, report out after meetings.
These "roles' are flexible and can be changed around within the committees and by event. Commissioners
agreed this is a something to incorporate in future committee meetings.
Transgender Day of Visibility program coordination was assigned to the Building Bridges committee.
Announcements of commissioners:
• Ismail mentioned an Iowa City Foreign Relations Council democracy event that will be held
in the fall and suggested for commissioners to get involved.
• Pandya visited recently with the mobility director for the County and discussed transit -
related options available and the concerns within these options.
• Mendez -Shannon worked with junior high students and noted their interest in information
on how to budget.
• Kollasch attended a panel discussion with two Johnson County Supervisors to discuss the
Board of Regents' directives to the three state universities regarding DEI initiatives.
Kollasch also attended a University of Iowa DEI task force presentation discussing how to
work with new DEI rules/ laws.
• Paul -Shantz attended a conference in Barcelona connecting leaders to global issues
including climate action.
• Qaduora provided an update on World Hijab Day and mentioned the upcoming
Community free meal on March 22 at the Coralville library and encouraged commission
members to attend.
• Lusala attended the Black History Ball and stated it was a successful community event and
encouraged all commissioners to attend in the future.
Announcements of staff: Staff provided a summary of the anticipated March agenda for the commission.
1. Community members would like to talk to the commission about recommending to the City
Council to establish a transit commission.
2. Historians/ consulting firm hired by the county to promote the renaming to Lulu Johnson to
make a presentation for the committee.
Adjourned: 6:31 PM.
The meeting can be viewed at https://citychanne14.com/video.html?series=Local%2OGovernment.
Human Rights Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2024
(Meetin! Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP•
1/23
2/27
3/26
4123
5121
6125
7/23
8/27
9/24
10/22
11/26
12/24
ahnaviPandya
2024
X
X
Sylvia Jons
2024
Z
A
Doug Kollasch
2024
X
X
Tana Qadoura
2025
X
X
Ahmed Ismail
2025
A
X
Clark Pries
2025
X
A
Roger Lusala
2026
X
X
Kelsey Paul Shantz
2026
X
X
Liz Mendez -Shannon
2026
X
X
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
Z = Present via Zoom
a
DISABILITY HEALTH
& SAFETY EXPO
2-4:30 P.M.
APRIL 14
Robert A. Lee Rec Center
Learn to foster
independence 9 keep
yourself safe at home 9 in
the community.
oRtn
WHY ARE THEE
■
NFLICTS IN
CULTURAL CONTEXT
Thursday, April 18,1-3 PM
East Side Education Center, 2401 Scott Blvd SE, Iowa City
This workshop uses the Intercultural Conflict Styles Inventory ICS developed by Mitch Hammer.
According to Hammer, "ICS is the leading, cross -culturally valid assessment tool for identifying core
approaches to improving communication, resolving conflicts, and solving problems across cultural
differences." As a community seeking to be inclusive, understanding the cultural context of inevitable
communication conflicts is very important.
Presented by Sunday Goshit
i Sunday Goshit obtained a Ph.D. in Physical Geography with specialization
in Climatology from the University of Iowa. He developed an interest
in Intercultural Communication from his experiences in adjusting to US
culture having moved from Nigeria with a family of six as a graduate
student. Sunday is a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural
Development Inventory and Intercultural Conflict Styles.
THE
LENS
Scan code to register
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to
attend all City of Iowa City -sponsored events. If
you are a person with a disability who requires
a reasonable accommodation to participate
in these events, contact the Office of Equity
and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or email
humanrights@iowa-city.org.
SERIES Hosted by the City of Iowa City
Office of Equity and Human Rights
04
Correspondence
t
t` im�"InwE`
t.. 'C YSi. Ust'
IN THE
A Cross -Cultural Exploration
Thursday, May 16
Noon-1 PM CST, via Zoom
In 2023, amidst significant controversy, Seattle and Fresno made history by enacting the first U.S. laws against
caste discrimination. This development coincides with the Indian American population's 150%growth since
2000, the largest and fastest -growing Asian American group. Grasping the caste system's deep roots in Indian
society is vital, as it influences the wider South Asian community. Perceptions of the impact of caste can lead to
internal divisions, affecting workplace environments and community unity. This session is essential for those
engaging with these communities to gain insights into navigating these complex cultural dynamics.
Presented by Sarika Bhakta, CDE
Sarika Bhakta was born in Gujarat, India and raised in the American Midwest. Adjusting to the American culture was
extremely challenging for Sarika. This inspired her life's legacy to empower people to live and lead authentically by
leveraging their unique diversity, as a value differentiator, to deliver innovative results. Herwork as Founder 6 President
of Nikeya Diversity Consulting has earned her recognition as a thought leader in the field of diversity, equity, inclusion,
accessibility, and engagement. She has over 25 years of experience in leadership development, talent management,
community/economic development, and organizational development.
Scan code to register
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all City of Iowa City -
sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable
accommodation to participate in these events, contact the Office of Equity and
Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or email humanrights@iowa-city.org.
Item # 12
The Iowa City Human Rights Commission is allocated $2000 annually to provide financial assistance to community events designed to eliminate
racial, religious, cultural, or other intergroup tensions, including but not limited to, sex, color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation,
marital status, age, or national origin.
Rules and Requirements for Sponsorship:
• The organization must be physically located in Iowa City.
• The program must take place in Iowa City.
• The program must have a date and location.
• The event date must be prior to the request for financial assistance.
• Applicants cannot be governments, public schools, or colleges/universities.
• Applicants request cannot exceed $250.00.
• Request must include a budget.
• Request must include other sponsors.
• Request cannot be for reimbursement or honorariums to speakers or guests.
• Request cannot be for rental deposits for the venue.
• Request cannot be for fundraising purposes.
• Requests will be denied if another city department/division has financially contributed funding or will be contributing funds for the
program.
• Funding will not be disbursed without the submission of a W9.
• If the request is approved for financial assistance an organization cannot request any further assistance in the same fiscal year.
Signature*
Sign here that you have read and understand the rules and requirements.
,J,
Date Time
2024-03-13 01:39:45 PM
Name*
Coralville Asian Festival
Address*
Street Address
P. O. Box 5393
Address Line 2
City
State/Province/Region
Coralville
Iowa
Postal/Zip Code
Counter
52241
USA
Name*
Omega Dancel
Preferred pronouns
She/hers
Phone number*
319-621-8042
Email address*
coralvilleasianfest@gmail.com
Date of Program*
S/18/2024
Program Title*
Coralville Asian Festival
Location name*
S. T. Morrison Park
Location Address*
Street Address
1513 7th St.
Address Line 2
city
Coralville
Postal/Zip Code
52241
State/Province/Region
Iowa
Country
USA
Describe how the program eliminates racial, religious, cultural, or other intergroup tensions, related, but not limited to: sex,
color, creed, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, or national origin.
Our event will showcase talent, skills, performances by members of our community from different ethnic groups, ages, and abilities. We
will have performers from Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and surrounding Iowa City area. We will also have students from the University of
Iowa and West High School. Our goal is to host a diverse cultural event to celebrate our rich culture and heritage.
Is there a financial cost to participate in the project? *
Yes No
Describe how socioeconomic barriers to attendance will be addressed.
Our event is free for the public. Our team has created a very detailed budget to accommodate all of the expenses to make our event
successful.
Amount Requested (Maximum request $250.00)
$250.00
Has any City of Iowa City department or division provided any support for this event? *
(include in -kind and financial support)
Yes
Will any City of Iowa City department or division provide any support for this event?*
(Include in -kind and financial support)
Yes
No
Please list all funding sources or in -kind support for this event including the amount•
Green State- $250, Coralville Food Pantry -van use. United Methodist Church- table and chairs. We are still In the process of requesting
sponsorship, many have not replied yet.
Attache Itemized Budget
Previous Next
LATE HANDOUTS —The
following document/s
were distributed after
the meeting agenda
was posted and prior
to the meeting.
Proposal for creation of
Iowa City Transit Advisory
Commission
Community Transportation Committee
2023
What is a City Transit Advisory Commission?
Definition; An advisory board appointed by the City Council to advise on public transportation
services.
Who are the potential board members?
- Iowa City Transit Riders
- City Transportation Staff
- Community representatives (workers, students, retired, disabled, houseless, BIPOC,
LGBT, more)
- Professionals or those with knowledge of transit
- City Council Members
Why do we need a City Transit Advisory Commission?
- Enhances diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in Transit planning, a goal that was set
in Iowa City's Strategic Plan
- Iowa City has many diverse populations of transit users, some of whom are
under -represented in public outreach efforts
- Close the gap between policy decisions and those directly impacted by these
decisions
Iowa City Transit Riders
- Students
- Seniors, Disabled, and Low-income residents
- Workers - 1 st, 2nd, and 3rd shift
- LGBTQ, BIPOC and recent immigrants
- Visitors, shoppers, festival and event attendees
Under -represented Riders
Lack of representation may result in transit decisions that inadequately address their
unique needs
Low income families and 2nd Shift Workers
Individuals who live with a disability
Single Parents
LGBTQ & BIPOC riders
These riders may find it challenging to attend in -person public meetings due to meeting
times, taking time off work, or physical accessibility issues.
Limited availability of accessible transportation options further hinders their engagement
in traditional public input processes.
Under -represented Riders
Transit riders who are typically under -represented are those who may have been marginalized by prior
planning decisions, such as people of color, low-income households, single parents, people with
disabilities, and second shift workers.
These groups tend to have lower access to opportunity, such as child-care, jobs, education, health care,
and grocery stores, than other transit riders or car owners.
These groups are more likely to use transit for a variety of trips, not just commuting, and are more
sensitive to the quality of transit service than other riders.
These groups are often overlooked or ignored in transit planning and decision -making processes,
which tend to cater to the preferences of higher -income or "choice" riders.
Case Study: Wausau, Wisconsin Transit Commission
- Members are in charge of assisting with policies that deal with the Wausau Area Transit
System and make recommendations to the mayor and city council regarding service areas,
transit rates, budgeting and scheduling
- "The goals of the commission are to promote the modernization of the system, future regionalism and to
provide oversight and guidance of operations" Matthew Rosenbloom Jones, Wausau Transit Director
- Consists of 5 members, could potentially have up to 8:
- 3 alderpersons
- 2 Wausau residents
- 1 resident from each community by the Wausau Area Transit System
Case Study: Edina, MN Transit Commission
- Members are responsible for advising City Council on policies and decisions
regarding the City's local street system, mass transit opportunities for the city of
Edina, as well as evaluates ways to incorporate traffic calming and speed mitigation
measures for the safety of Edina residents.
- "Each (member) has a unique perspective and passion for the work we do and help create a
representative group to provide the community's input into what they'd like to see from their
transportation network and services." Andy Lewis, Chair of the Edina Transportation Commission.
- Consists of 11 members
- 1 Chair and 1 Vice Chair
- 2 high school students
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and Eau Claire, Wisconsin Transit
Commissions
Eau Claire's Commission consists of 9
members:
- 6 citizens
- 1 University of Wisconsin
Eau Claire (UWEC) student
- 1 resident of the city of
Altoona
- 1 council member
Sun Prairie's Commission consists of 6
members:
- 1 representative from the senior
citizen community
- 1 representative from the school
district
- 1 representative from the business
community
- 2 representatives from the
community
- 1 member of City Council
Potential Benefits of a Transit Advisory Commission
- Serve as a forum for Iowa City residents to make suggestions regarding transit
- Increase access to decision -makers for those who solely rely on public transit, or who are
under -represented in online surveys and public meetings.
- Having a transit commission on a city level is a great way of promoting inclusivity and
diversity for the Iowa City community, and gives those who may be underrepresented in
local governments a voice
Potential Benefits of a Transit Advisory Commission
- High Return on Investment
- With diverse opinions more easily at hand, a commission may reduce costs
associated with hiring transit planning contractors and commissioning transit
studies
- Provide more efficient outcomes regarding complaints and concerns related to
transit
- Reduce burden on Transit Staff by providing additional advisors able to respond to
community input
- Potentially increase ridership by encouraging public participation in transit planning
- Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, a high -priority goal listed in Iowa City's
Climate Action Plan
How does a commission benefit Iowa City Climate Goals?
Action
Sector(s)
Transportation
O
Increase use of public transit systems
Home
Work
Government
O
Embrace electric vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, and other
Home
Work
Government
emerging technologies
O
Increase bicycle and pedestrian transportation
Home
Work
Government
O
Increase compact and contiguous development
Home
1'-:`
Government
O
Increase employee commuter options
Work
Manage parking options
Work
Government
Reduce the City's vehicle emissions tootprint2
Government
Iowa City Climate Adaptation Goals Transportation, 2017
Local
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
Cost Impact
How does a Transit Commission benefit Iowa City Climate
Goals?
- The commission has the potential to increase ridership by encouraging public participation
in the Iowa City public transit systems
- Goal was marked as a high priority on the 2017 Iowa City Climate Action and
Adaptation Plan
- Reduce the City's vehicle emissions footprint
- With the increase in ridership, less greenhouse gases from cars
Conclusion
- Having a transit commission on a city level is a great way of promoting inclusivity and
diversity for the Iowa City community, and gives those who may be underrepresented in
local governments a voice
- This would immensely benefit a city like Iowa City as it would help ensure that the city's
transportation system is efficient, effective, and meets the needs of its residents
- By having a dedicated body focused on these issues, the city can work towards
providing improved access to safe, affordable, reliable, and sustainable transportation
for its residents
- Appreciate your time and consideration
1'9 Gmail
Community Transportation <communitytransportationjc@gmail.com>
New Form Entry: Commission Survey
2 messages
no-reply@weebly.com <no-reply@weebly.com>
Reply -To: communitytransportationjc@gmail.com
To: communitytransportationjc@gmail.com
You've just received a new submission to your Commission Survey.
Mark as Spam
Submitted Information:
Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 8:12 AM
I support the creation of an Iowa City Transit commission? (Comments will be included
in packet to City Council)
Yes
Comments
What is your household income?
Name
Riley Eynon -Lynch
Organization
Email Address
no-reply@weebly.com <no-reply@weebly.com> Fri, Sep 1, 2023 at 9:38 AM
Reply -To: communitytransportationjc@gmail.com
To: communitytransportationjc@gmail.com
You've just received a new submission to your Commission Survey.
Mark as Spam
Submitted Information:
I support the creation of an Iowa City Transit commission? (Comments will be included
in packet to City Council)
Yes
Comments
What is your household income?
Name
Elinor Levin & Kevin Lawrence
Organization
Residents
Email Address
About Lulu Merle Johnson
Lulu Merle Johnson's life (1907-1995) might be
defined as ajourney in higher education. Her father
was born into slavery, her mixed -race mother was
born free. Her family - grandparents, parents,
aunts, and uncles - migrated
from Tennessee to Kent
to Illinois before putting
down roots in Taylor
County, Iowa, in the
early 1850s. As land
owners, the Johnson
Family was treated
with a measure of
respect in a largely
White rural area. Their
kinship web extended to
social Iias with other Blauo
who migrated to rural southwestern
Iowa after the Civil War
In 1925, Lulu (pronounced l laJ entered the
State University of Iowa, following in the footsteps
of a first cousin and an older brother. Iowa City, like
most of Iowa, observed the unwritten rules of
segregation, and integration at the University did
not reach beyond the classroom. African American
students were net allowed to live in campus dormi-
tories (this changed in 1946), and they were expect-
ed to maintain separate circles on and off campus.
Like many of her peers, Lulu lived at the Federation
Home, a boarding house owned by the Iowa
Federation of Colored women s Clubs. The Tate
Arms, a private boarding house, provided similar
housing for Black male students. Other Black
students, both men and women, lived in private
homes, sometimes working in exchange for room
and board.
Witty and self-confident, Lulu challenged racial
discrimination whenever she could but remained
focused on her studies. After coming a B.A. and an
M.A. in History in 1930, she worked on her doctor-
ate at UI while teaching full time at Tougaloo
College in Mississippi since Iowa colleges and
universities would not hire African American teach-
ers, even those as highly qualifed as Johnson. But
individual faculty members at UI came to respect
her intellect, especially History Department chair W.
T. Root, He helped her secure a fellowship from the
Rockefeller Foundation to finish her studies and
write a path -breaking dissertation, "The Problem of
Slavery in the Old Northwest, 1787-1858." She
received her Ph,D. in 1941.
At Tougaloo College, Dr. Johnson developed
what became her signature course: "The Negro in
American History." It, too, broke new ground. She
centered the African American experience and
treated Black history as American history.
During the 1940s, Dr. Johnson briefly taught at
other historically Black colleges and universities
before assuming, in 1950, a dual post as Dean of
Women and Professor of Social Studies at Cheyney
Training School for Teachers (now Cheyney Univer-
sity) in Philadelphia. For the next two decades, she
provided both administrative and academic leader-
ship. After retiring in 1971, she moved to Willow
Crest, an oceansic a home in Millsboro, Delaware,
which she she red with her life-long friend, Eurl
Johnson (no relation).
Although Dr. Johnson's career took her far from
Iowa, she maintained close ties with her siblings and
took great pride in a nephew, a niece, and two great
nieces who, like her, attended the University of Iowa.
Just as an older sister had helped support her as a
student, she provided financial assistance to help
others attain an education.
r
T6 e
Dr. Lulu Merle
Johnson
Pxh,bit Project
Johnson
County
The Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson
Exhibit Project
In 2022, the Johnson County Board of Supervi-
sors initiated a project to create an outdoor public
exhibit commemorating the life and accomplish-
ments of Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson. This commemora-
tive exhibit is to be educational, historically accurate,
respectful, and creative.
The exhibit will be located near the Johnson
County Administration Building at 913 S. Dubuque
Street, across the street from the historic Tate Arms
and in a historically Black neighborhood. It will
occu cry the linear grassy strip that separates the
public parking area from the employee parking lot
For more information or to make a donation,
please visit the project website:
DrLuluiverleJohnson Project.com
Johnson County Renamed for
Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson
On June 24, 2021, the Board of Supervisors
officially designated Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson as the
new eponym of Johnson Cou nty. She grew up in
Gravity, lows, and in 1941 became the first African
American woman to earn a Ii in Iowa, and from
the University of Iowa. Dr. Johnson went on to build
a distinguished career in higher -education teaching
and administration at multiple historically Black
colleges and universities.
Why Johnson County Needed a New Eponym
When Johnson County was organized in 1837, it
was named for U.S. vice President Richard Mentor
Johnson who served under President Martin Van
Buren. Johnson was a controversial figure. As a
military officer in the War of 1812, he was widely
credited with killing the Shawnee chief Tecumseh in
the Rattle of the Thai ni The Kentucky native also
was a lawyer, a plantation owner, and an enslaver.
During the nationwide movement to remove
Confederate monuments and memorials, the
Johnson County Board of Supervisors formed a
community task force to review the county's
eponym. The Eponym Task Force identified accom-
plished people with the last name of Johnson who
had a direct historical connection to Iowa and the
local area. Following this study, the Board selected
Dr. Johnson.
"Our history is important and the story of
Mr. [Richard Mentor] Johnson forces us to look
at some uncomfortable realities,"
Rod Sullivan
Supervisor, Johnson County
"It's very important for people of color in a
predominantly White area to recognize that
there is indeed a rich history here. Dr.Johnson
is emblematic of success stories that occurred
in spite of racism ... There are critics who say
that this is rewriting history or this is changing
the historical record. [However,] our recogniz-
ing Dr. Johnson in 2021 is no different an
honorific gesture than recognizing the previ-
ous Richard Mentor Johnson in 1B37. It's not
rewriting history; it is amplifying history."
David McCartney
University of Iowa Archivist, Ret.
Member, Eponym Task Force
'It's a learning piece for me_J know she
made a difference, and her struggle was not
our struggle, what she went through back in
that day...Let this be a learning piece, that kids
are able to see who she was and what this
means to us in our Black community."
Royceann Porter
Supervisor, Johnson County
"What we did acknowledged an important
person, here, who might otherwise not have
been part of the record, and an important
place, specifically right here, in this neighbor-
hood, a part of Black history of this area, in this
community."
Lisa Green -Douglass
Supervisor, Johnson County