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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-01-2025 Human Rights Commission - RevisedHuman Rights Commission April 1, 2025 Special Meeting — 5:30 PM Helling Conference Room, City Hall Agenda: 1. Call the Meeting to Order and Roll Call. 2. Reading of the Native American Land Acknowledgement. 3. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda. Commentators shall address the commission for no more than five minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items. 4. Approval of the February 25, 2025, meeting minutes. 5. Update on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department. 6. Correspondence. 7. Know Your Rights Event. s. Discussion on Creating a Second Quarter Project. 9. Elections. 10. Human Rights Grant Updates. 11. Reports of Commissioners and Staff. This item includes an opportunity for very brief updates from staff and commissioners. Commissioners cannot engage in discussion on any reports. 12. Next Meeting: April 22, 2025 13. 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 this meeting, please contact the Office of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or email humanrights(a-)-iowa- city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Agenda Item #2 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. 3 Agenda Item #4 Draft Minutes Human Rights Commission February 25, 2025 Emma J. Harvat Hall Commissioners present: Doug Kollasch, Emily Harkin, Roger Lusala, Elizabeth Shannon, Mark Pries. Commissioners on Zoom: None. Commissioners absent: Kelsey Paul Shantz, Lubna Mohamed, Viana Qadoura, Idriss Abdullahi. Staff present: Tre Hall, Stefanie Bowers. Recommendation to City Council: Yes. Meeting called to order: 5:30 PM. Native American Land Acknowledgement: Pries read the Land Acknowledgement. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: None. Approval of meeting minutes of January 28, 2025: Pries moved, and Lusala seconded. Motion passed 5-0. Updates on Outreach and Engagement by the Police Department: Community Outreach Assistant, Tre Hall updated the commission on the police department's work with Joshua Dabusu who works with persons who are immigrants and refugees on police relations. Dabusu hosted a presentation at the public library on the purpose and functions of the police department and when 911 should be utilized. He will also be presenting on domestic violence at the Broadway Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County in the near future. On Feb. 2& Sergeant Nieland and Dabusu held a meeting with the Center for Worker Justice where they explained the difference between ICE and the police department. They also discussed how the police departments can partner on educational programs with organizations. On November 21s', Nieland and Captain Brotherton met with Global Ties Iowa who brought foreign exchange students and faculty from different nations to discuss their role in the judicial system. Hall reported on his own attendance at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake where the department raised $754 which will be put back into the community through department outreach efforts. Correspondence: The Commission received correspondence from Whit Martinez Community Outreach of The Englert Theatre. The Theatre is interested in partnering with the Commission to support any event that would help the Iowa City immigrant community. Shannon spoke with Martinez and expressed to him the commission would need more details regarding how they would like to approach the engagement request. With more details, the commission is interested in the collaboration and would be curious to know what kind of visibility it would give the commission with the community. Kollasch expressed there may be a broad interest in allyship through this event, asking how those who are not immigrants could help. Shannon plans to meet with Martinez to obtain more details for a possible future event. Funding Request: Iowa City Foreign Relations Council requested funding for a program in April entitled "Climate Resilience Together." The group is requesting $250. Pries moved to approve the request. Lusala seconded. Motion passed 5-0. FlimScene requested funding for a series entitled Iowa Disability Film Festival. The request is for $250. Pries moved to approve. Lusala seconded. Motion passed 5-0. Resolution All Are Welcome: This is a recommendation to the City Council. Pries would like the Human Rights Commission to refer the resolution to the City Council for adoption. Pries worked with the County Attorney and Board of Supervisors who subsequently adopted the resolution. Pries provided background on the resolution and stated it is related to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which protects people's rights and does not allow people to be discriminated against based on religion. Pries is asking the commission for support in asking the City Council to add the resolution to their agenda. Pries moved, and Harkin seconded. Motion passed 5-0. Human Rights Grant: The grant will go live on March 15Y and be available through April 15t. It will be an online submission and an online review. Save the dates: Night of 1000 Dinners: This event will be held on March 6t" She Speaks: This event will be held on March 8t" at the Robert A Lee Recreation Center from 1-3pm. Youth Awards: This event will take place on May 22nd Juneteenth & Pride: Will take place back-to-back with Juneteenth on June 20t" and Pride on June 21st. Human RightsAwards Breakfast: Will take place on October 22nd Pries asked if commissioners should sign up for events. Lusala mentioned it may be too early with Kollasch agreeing. It was agreed staffing would be discussed closer to the event dates. Vote on Civil and Human Rights Commissioner's Letter in Opposition to HSB242: It was unanimously agreed, to sign onto the letter. It will be signed as a joint group with each commissioner listed under the Commission signature. Pries moved, Kollasch seconded. Motion passed 5-0. Staff & Commission Updates: Staff: There is a Ramadan celebration dinner on the next scheduled commission meeting date, so the meeting may be rescheduled. Staff also shared that the vote for Chair and Vice Chair of the commission will be on the March agenda. Pries: Shared that he spoke a eulogy for Mai Yang, a Laotian refugee who served as a pastor in Pella, Iowa. Pries also attended an event at Hancher where they referenced a bible verse that he repeated at the meeting. Pries was present at the ICE office in Cedar Rapids on February 5" where he said he had a very powerful and meaningful experience. Pries attended a webinar on Anna Julia Cooper where he was told the takeaway is how important it is to show up for education and recognize women and Black people in education. Pries recently toured Dream City and encourages all to support it. Pries also shared he tries to keep his Bishop current and knowledgeable on things occurring within the state. Mendez Shannon: Shared her experiences with changing legislation regarding illegal DEI. Shannon shared her emotions on the impact of those working on DEI and their fight to be heard. She also attended a workshop that focused on women and their right to feel empowered and seen. Mendez Shannon was happy to see there is a will to fight during unprecedented times. Kollasch: Shared he has recently been in New York City where he saw the news of Iowa and was disappointed. On Sunday he attended Cabaret which showcases Berlin in the 1930's and the downfall of nightlife during a fascist regime. Kollasch was able to visit the Stonewall Inn where he reflected on recent Iowa legislation and how the LGBTQ+ rights movement started, noting it was trans women of color who started the movement. Harkin: shared she attended the Lunar New Year on behalf of the Human Rights Commissioner. Harkin reported it was a cheerful event that she enjoyed attending. Adjourned: 6:11 PM. The meeting can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@citychannel4/videos. 3 Human Rights Commission ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2025 (Meeting Date) NAME TERM EXP. 1/28 2/25 3/24 4/22 5/27 6/24 7/22 8/26 9/23 10/21 11/25 Viana Qadoura 2025 A A Idriss Abdullahi 2025 P A Mark Pries 2025 A P Roger Lusala 2026 P P Kelsey Paul Shantz 2026 P A Liz Mendez -Shannon 2026 P P Emily Harkin 2027 P P Doug Kollasch 2027 P P Lubna Mohamed 2027 Z A KEY: X = Present A = Absent Z = Present via Zoom CORRESPONDENCE 1 st Mg Scan QR code for nomination forii4 or visit ourwebsite at icgov.org/humanrights EAu @ichumanrights Late Handout(s): Page 2. Memo on Historic Grant Funding for Recurring City Grants. Page 9. Inside Out Reentry Community Quarterly Grant Report. Page 11. Wright House Quarterly Grant Report. Page 13. Escucha Mi Voz Iowa Quarterly Grant Report. Page 25. Houses into Homes Quarterly Report. Page 27. Correspondence from Ed Flaherty. CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: March 31, 2025 To: Human Rights Commission From: Stefanie Bowers, Human Rights Coordinator Re: Historic Grant Funding for Recurring City Grant Programs Introduction: In September 2024, City Council directed staff to provide additional information to boards and commissions that award funding through annually recurring City grant programs. The goal is to foster awareness among awarding bodies about which organizations regularly receive funding through these programs. Background: The City provides several recurring grant programs that fund organizations in the community. These include the City's Aid to Agencies, Climate Action, Human Rights Grant, and Public Art offerings. A description of these grant programs is as follows: • Climate Action Grant (CAG) Purpose: to inspire and promote community involvement in reducing energy use, encouraging low -emissions transportation, reducing consumption of materials and valuable resources and supporting sustainable lifestyle choices. Administered By: Climate Action Division of the City Manager's Office. Process: Applications are typically accepted and awards made in spring for execution the following fiscal year. Scoring is completed by a committee of interdepartmental staff and members of the Climate Action Commission. Staff makes award decisions with an eye toward leveraging other potential funding opportunities and maximizing the number of awardees. Funding decisions are shared with the full Climate Action Commission. • Non -Legacy Aid to Agencies (NLA2A) Purpose: to provide non -legacy nonprofit agencies with limited, flexible operational funding to help them serve low-income Iowa City residents based on priorities set in the City's Consolidated Plan. Administered By: Neighborhood Services Division of the Department of Neighborhood & Development Services. Process: Agencies submit a short online application. HCDC considers funding allocations funding becomes available after July 1. Please note that changes to this grant are anticipated in upcoming fiscal years. • Legacy Aid to Agencies (LA2A). Purpose: to provide core nonprofit public service agencies with flexible operational funding to help them serve low-income Iowa City residents based on priorities set in the City's Consolidated Plan. March 31, 2025 Page 2 Administered By: Neighborhood Services Division of the Department of Neighborhood & Development Services. Process: Legacy applications are submitted through the United Way joint funding process every two years. Staff oversee the application process, facilitate a Q&A for the commission, score the applications and make a recommendation for funding. HCDC receives, reviews, and score applications individually, and then propose funding allocations to City Council as a group. City Council makes final approval of funding allocations. Please note that changes to this grant are anticipated in upcoming fiscal years. • Public Art Matching Fund Program (PAMFP) Purpose: to foster creativity and continue to enhance access and opportunity to the arts in Iowa City. Administered By: Economic Development Division of the City Manager's Office. Process: Applications are submitted to the Economic Development Coordinator, and are reviewed by City's Public Art Advisory Commission, after which the commission makes funding decisions. Applications are typically accepted in late winter with award decisions in the spring. • Human Rights Grant. Purpose: The program aims to support projects that contribute to the advancement of human rights in the community. To be eligible, projects must meet at least one of the following criteria: build capacity to organize communities around human rights, strengthen the ability to mobilize communities in support of human rights, or educate the public on human rights. This may include organizing and facilitating educational public forums that address one or more of the broad range of human rights topics. Administered By: Human Rights Division of the City Manager's Office. Process: Staff oversees the application process to assist applicants. The City's Human Rights Commission perform scoring and make recommendations to the City Council for awards. City Council makes final award decisions. Applications are received from March 1 — April 1. Award recommendations are typically completed by May with final Council decisions around June. Attachment 1 provides the history of awards for the previous four years. It is simply provided for your awareness. Attachments: 4-Year Grant History Chart Recipient Grant Year Award 4 Cs LA2A 2021 $26,119 Arc of SEI LA2A 2021 $20,895 Big Brothers/Big Sisters LA2A 2021 $26,119 CommUnity Crisis Center LA2A 2021 $72,402 A&W Sustainable Planning CAG 2021 $6,175 Bike Library RESJ 2021 $4,000 Artifactory (Arts Iowa City) PAG 2021 $367 Fannie Hungerford PAG 2021 $1,817 Bike Library CAG 2021 $9,940 Domestic Violence Intervention Program LA2A 2021 $52,000 Elder Services/Horizons LA2A 2021 $45,968 Free Lunch Program LA2A 2021 $18,805 Free Medical Clinic LA2A 2021 $26,119 Luther Bangert PAG 2021 $1,700 Food Pantry at Iowa RESJ 2021 $6,075 HACAP LA2A 2021 $26,119 Inside Out Reentry LA2A 2021 $41,839 IV Habitat for Humanity LA2A 2021 $26,119 Neighborhood Centers of JC LA2A 2021 $57,000 Deerfield Commons CAG 2021 $10,000 Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalitic RESJ 2021 $15,000 Domestic Violence Intervention Program CAG 2021 $10,000 Johnson Clean Energy District CAG 2021 $5,000 Multicultural Development Center of Iowa CAG 2021 $8,075 Center for Worker Justice EA2A 2021 $15,000 Pathways LA2A 2021 $26,119 Prelude (MECCA) LA2A 2021 $41,788 Open Heartland RESJ 2021 $14,749 Sankofa Outreach Connection RESJ 2021 $15,000 Shelter House CAG 2021 $10,000 RVAP LA2A 2021 $26,119 Shelter House LA2A 2021 $88,808 Table to Table LA2A 2021 $32,387 UAY LA2A 2021 $34,525 Red Cedar Chamber Music PAG 2021 $817 University of Iowa Labor Center RESJ 2021 $20,000 Center for Worker Justice RESJ 2022 $18,000 Field to Family CAG 2022 $10,000 Free Medical Clinic CAG 2022 $10,000 IV Habitat for Humanity CAG 2022 $10,000 Dream Center EA2A 2021 $10,000 4 Cs LA2A 2022 $26,709 Arc of SEI LA2A 2022 $21,367 Horace Mann Elementary School CAG 2022 $1,400 Big Brothers/Big Sisters LA2A 2022 $26,709 CommUnity Crisis Center LA2A 2022 $74,037 Domestic Violence Intervention Program LA2A 2022 $53,418 Elder Services/Horizons LA2A 2022 $26,709 Great Plains Action Society RESJ 2022 $5,000 Houses into Homes RESJ 2022 $15,000 Free Lunch Program LA2A 2022 $47,007 Free Medical Clinic LA2A 2022 $26,709 HACAP LA2A 2022 $19,230 Inside Out Reentry LA2A 2022 $42,734 South of 6 Business District PAG 2021 $2,000 Sudanese American Community Services EA2A 2021 $5,000 Iowa City Compassion RESJ 2022 $15,000 Trumpet Blossom PAG 2021 $1,000 Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2021 $1,950 Kirkwood College Sustainability Club CAG 2022 $2,500 Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2021 $600 M68 Apts CAG 2022 $3,000 Iowa City Chinese Association RESJ 2022 $3,000 IV Habitat for Humanity LA2A 2022 $26,709 Neighborhood Centers of JC LA2A 2022 $58,759 Pathways LA2A 2022 $26,709 Prelude (MECCA) LA2A 2022 $42,734 Prairie Kitchen Store CAG 2022 $5,000 RVAP LA2A 2022 $26,709 Shelter House LA2A 2022 $90,810 Table to Table LA2A 2022 $33,119 UAY LA2A 2022 $35,256 Multicultural Development Center of Iowa RESJ 2022 $10,000 Open Heartland RESJ 2022 $9,000 Public Space 1/Zen Cohen CAG 2022 $7,920 Bike Library CAG 2023 $10,000 Catholic Worker House CAG 2023 $8,000 4 Cs LA2A 2023 $28,000 Arc of SEI LA2A 2023 $22,400 Big Brothers/Big Sisters LA2A 2023 $27,125 Center for Worker Justice LA2A 2023 $15,000 CommUnity Crisis Center CAG 2023 $3,047 Healthy Kids School Based Clinics EA2A 2022 $15,000 Houses into Homes EA2A 2022 $8,625 NAMI EA2A 2022 $10,000 Deerfield Commons CAG 2023 $10,000 Healthy Kids School Based Clinics EA2A 2023 $11,300 CommUnity Crisis Center LA2A 2023 $69,086 Dream Center LA2A 2023 $25,000 AI-Iman Center of Iowa RESJ 2023 $7,500 Center for Worker Justice RESJ 2023 $7,000 CommUnity Crisis Center RESJ 2023 $18,000 Dubuque Street Apts. CAG 2023 $3,554 Great Plains Action Society RESJ 2023 $6,000 ICOR Boxing PAG 2022 $3,000 Houses into Homes RESJ 2023 $10,000 Domestic Violence Intervention Program LA2A 2023 $60,000 Elder Services/Horizons LA2A 2023 $38,000 Free Lunch Program LA2A 2023 $15,000 Free Medical Clinic LA2A 2023 $40,000 Natural Talent Music RESJ 2023 $23,725 Neighborhood Centers of JC RESJ 2023 $15,500 Iowa City Compassion EA2A 2023 $9,560 Iowa Legal Aid EA2A 2023 $9,300 Iowa City Downtown District PAG 2022 $2,000 TRAIL EA2A 2023 $7,415 Escucha Mi Voz Iowa EA2A 2024 $8,000 Healthy Kids School Based Clinics EA2A 2024 $5,000 HACAP LA2A 2023 $27,270 Houses into Homes LA2A 2023 $15,000 Inside Out Reentry LA2A 2023 $31,000 IV Habitat for Humanity LA2A 2023 $27,029 Old Capitol Quilt Guild PAG 2022 $500 Fin and Feather CAG 2023 $10,000 Wright House of Fashion RESJ 2023 $25,000 Green House CAG 2023 $2,027 Porch Light Literary Arts Center PAG 2022 $600 PromptPress PAG 2022 $3,000 Hawkeye Railroad Club CAG 2023 $10,000 Better Together 2030 RESJ 2024 $8,650 Iowa City Compassion CAG 2023 $5,000 Iowa City Compassion EA2A 2024 $6,000 CommUnity Crisis Center RESJ 2024 $7,000 Neighborhood Centers of JC CAG 2023 $9,509 Summit Apts CAG 2023 $8,750 Neighborhood Centers of JC LA2A 2023 $70,000 Pathways LA2A 2023 $15,000 RVAP LA2A 2023 $28,000 Shelter House LA2A 2023 $99,790 Stephanie Miracle (individual artist) PAG 2022 $2,500 Domestic Violence Intervention Program RESJ 2024 $7,620 Young Minds (youth mini grant) CAG 2023 $500 Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2022 $2,600 Antelope Lending Library CAG 2024 $1,434 Andrea Smisek Gage PAG 2023 $3,200 Eastern Iowa APAPA RESJ 2024 $3,000 Escucha Mi Voz Iowa RESJ 2024 $12,000 Houses into Homes RESJ 2024 $7,698 Burr Oak Land Trust CAG 2024 $2,500 Table to Table LA2A 2023 $40,000 UAY LA2A 2023 $34,500 4 Cs LA2A 2024 $28,240 Arc of SEI LA2A 2024 $22,592 IV Habitat for Humanity CAG 2024 $10,000 CommUnity Crisis Center PAG 2023 $3,280 Family Folk Machine PAG 2023 $3,500 Neighborhood Centers of JC CAG 2024 $8,000 Big Brothers/Big Sisters LA2A 2024 $27,358 Center for Worker Justice LA2A 2024 $15,129 Lisa Roberts (individual artist) PAG 2023 $555 Nomadic Foods CAG 2024 $4,000 Neighborhood Centers of JC PAG 2023 $3,500 CommUnity Crisis Center LA2A 2024 $69,679 Dream Center LA2A 2024 $25,215 Domestic Violence Intervention Program LA2A 2024 $60,515 Elder Services/Horizons LA2A 2024 $38,326 Indigenous Arts Alliance RESJ 2024 $20,340 Free Lunch Program LA2A 2024 $15,129 Free Medical Clinic LA2A 2024 $40,344 HACAP LA2A 2024 $27,504 Houses into Homes LA2A 2024 $15,129 Oaknoll Retirement Residents CAG 2024 $9,121 Northside Neighborhood Association PAG 2023 $1,175 South of 6 Business District PAG 2023 $3,500 Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2023 $3,500 Iowa City Hospice EA2A 2024 $5,000 Our Redeemer Lutheran Church CAG 2024 $10,000 Inside Out Reentry LA2A 2024 $31,266 IV Habitat for Humanity LA2A 2024 $27,261 Neighborhood Centers of JC LA2A 2024 $70,601 Pathways LA2A 2024 $15,129 Iowa City Sober Living EA2A 2024 $7,500 TRAIL EA2A 2024 $5,500 Plated Table CAG 2024 $8,000 Andre Wright (individual artist) PAG 2024 $3,000 RVAP LA2A 2024 $28,240 Shelter House LA2A 2024 $100,647 Table to Table LA2A 2024 $40,344 UAY LA2A 2024 $34,796 Inside Out Reentry RESJ 2024 $2,300 Open Heartland RESJ 2024 $13,738 UAY RESJ 2024 $10,500 Wright House of Fashion RESJ 2024 $7,154 Trinity Episcopal Church CAG 2024 $10,000 Erin Durian (individual artist) PAG 2024 $555 Filmscene PAG 2024 $3,000 Jessica Tucker (individual artist) PAG 2024 $1,725 Porch Light Literary Arts Center PAG 2024 $1,500 Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2024 $3,000 Public Space 1/Zen Cohen PAG 2024 $3,000 Inside Out Reentry Community Social Justice Racial Equity Grant FY25 Due: April 1, 2025 Date Range: 10/17/24 - 3/28/25 Program and Activity Progress: Inside Out Reentry Community (10) received Social Justice Racial Equity funding to expand our opportunities to provide art programming as well as have art materials on hand for 10 members to access on -demand outside of the art workshops. 10 has conducted five monthly Creative Collective art workshops since October and has continued to build our supply of art materials (76% of our materials budget). Since October, our workshops have covered the following art techniques: printmaking, epoxy and popsicle stick art, sewing and embroidery, and graffiti and street art. Between November 2024 and March 2025, 21 individuals have attended our Creative Collective art workshops (seven more than last reporting period) with seven of those people attending two or more. It is also worth noting that an Inside Out member returned by popular demand to facilitate our epoxy and popsicle stick art workshop for a second time. From the start of this grant, 32 different individuals have attended our workshops. Between February 7-15, 2025, 10 hosted our third annual art show. Several pieces of art from our printmaking workshops were included in the show. The show was covered in Little Village magazine, as well as the Press Citizen. When we had our sewing workshop, while many members worked on new embroidery projects, one member worked one-on-one with our facilitator to repair a beloved jacket. Once he finished his project, he proudly showed everyone his mended jacket. Month Workshop Number of attendees November Printmaking 6 December Printmaking 4 January Epoxy and popsicle stick art 7 February Sewing and embroidery 5 March Graffiti and street art 11 In November we administered a survey to those who attended the group. In response to those surveys, we heard from members that our workshops are a "positive place to [make] positive things." They also described opportunities to connect with other attendees and learn something new. In addition, all the members who responded agreed that they learned something in this group that they can do now or use in the ® ��► future. We continue to advertise our art supply cabinet to members as they visit our community resource center. While this cabinet has been getting less use than we had originally intended, members frequently use supplies from the cabinet in their art making during workshops and take full advantage of the supplies provided for them to take home such as sewing kits, sketch books, and markers. Next Steps: We will continue to conduct our workshops and promote the use of our art supply closet. Upcoming workshops will include origami and sidewalk chalk art. Invoices: We have included our financial report and related receipts and invoices in a separate file. FY24 Social Justice Racial Equity Grant Report April 1st, 2025 The Social Justice Grant from the Iowa City Human Rights Commission empowered the Wright House of Fashion to provide transformative creative services to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth. At a time when the need for inclusion, affirmation, and safe spaces is greater than ever, this funding allowed us to cultivate a vibrant, secure, and inspiring environment for youth who often feel unseen or unsafe in mainstream settings. With the initial round of funding, we were able to build a creative sanctuary —where diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated. Our programs nurtured confidence, sparked innovation, and gave marginalized youth the tools to express themselves through fashion, design, and the arts. OUR PACT EEKS OF SCHOOL ORKSHOPS The second round of funding expanded our impact significantly. We used the remaining funds to purchase essential equipment, establish economic development workshops, host innovative talks and community meetings, and guide youth through the process of building a retail shop from the ground up. These opportunities offered hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, marketing, and brand development —crucial steps toward long-term economic empowerment. We organized industry tours and hosted community -focused events that connected education with real -world applications. These experiences uplifted and educated youth as whole individuals, fostering personal growth alongside skill development. This grant has been a catalyst for community healing and progress. It helped us not only serve but truly empower young people to find their voice, explore their identity, and build pathways to sustainable futures. ESCUCHA MI VOZ IOWA Fighting for Worker Justice and Immigration Reform April 1, 2025 Chair Doug Kollasch Equity Director Stephanie Bowers Iowa City Human Rights Commission Escucha Mi Voz Iowa 113 S Johnson St Iowa City, IA 52240 RE: April 2025 Progress Report, FY24 Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant Iowa City HRC Chair Kollasch and city equity director Bowers: Thank you for the $12,000 racial equity and social justice grant to help partially fund our Refugee Housing and Migrant Health Services Project. During the reporting period July 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025, the project provided 270 consecutive days of permanent supportive housing to more than 40 immigrant working men, women, and children. Twenty-nine immigrant men, women, and children were moved into our permanent supportive housing program. Fifteen men, women, and children transitioned out of the program and into their own stable and independent housing. Also during the reporting period, seven children received mentoring services twice a week. In addition to housing, during the reporting period the project served an additional 1,100 immigrant workers with quality case management, legal aid, transportation, and other services. During just the three-month period January 1, 2025 - March 31, 2025, project has brought 564 immigrant workers in for at least one service, including: • 200 trained in Know Your Rights; • 150 rides to immigration, legal, and medical appointments; • 90 effective case managements; • 38 free legal consultations with a professional immigration attorney; • 14 new micro -loans to begin immigration cases; • 13 new drivers licenses; • 8 re -negotiated medical bills for lower cost or debt cancellation; • 28 food/rent/utility/clothing assistance; • 20 online bill payments; • 16 scheduled medical appointments; 10 temporary delegation of custody agreements; • 8 wholesome, outdoor activities and field trips with immigrant youth; a And more. Also during the 9-month reporting period, the project served adults and children with 4,320 nutritious meals, including all food groups, fruits and vegetables. Invoice of Expenses: During the period July 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025, 70% of grant was allocated to FTE time, 20% to program expenses, and 10% to indirect expenses. Total Project Cost HRC Grant Co -Director 1.5 FTE project time $22,125.00 $2,800 Rep -Organizer 1.5 FTE project time $19,912.50 $2,800 Rep Organizer III.25 FTE project time $9,956.25 $1,400 Rep Organizer IV .25 FTE project time $9,956.25 $1,400 Total FTE allocation $619950 S8,400 Housing Expenses $58,179.70 $1,200 Legal/Micro/Other Assist $22,829.83 $1,200 Total Program Expenses $81,009.53 $2,400 Indirect/OfficeAdmin/Data $8,390.63 S1,200 Total Project Expenditures July 1, 2024 - April 1, 2025 $151,350.16 $12,000 This concludes our April progress report. Thank you for the opportunity to partner with the city and your commission on this vitally important work. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out, David Goodner Director, Escucha Mi Voz Iowa 113 S Johnson St Iowa City, IA 52240 319-499-8929 3/25125, 9:46 AM Immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings I The Gazette Immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings Inwa City nnnnrnfit rPnnrts mnrP than 60 nPrrPnt inrrPasP in nPnnip sPPkinv hi -In with immivratinn-rPlatPd nPPris like IPval air!. nrntPrtivP airrmmnanimpnf aEmily Andersen Mar. 25, 2025 5.30 am, Updated: Mar. 25, 2025 7:32 am 0 Why you can trust The Gazette Reina Marroquin (right) thanks the crowd for their support outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Cedar Rapids Field Office folIowing an unexpected summons to report to the facility in southwest Cedar Rapids on Monday. Marroquin, a Guatemalan mother of two, lives in Postvllle. {Jim S I os ia re k/The Gazette) Listen to the audio version of this article Advertisement The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread, Some words may he mispronounced. CEDAR RAPIDS — Reina Marroquin arrived at the Cedar Rapids Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office Monday morning for an immigration check -in with her two children and more than 100 community supporters. About five minutes after entering the office, she emerged and was greeted by cheers from the community members who were there to support her. Marroquin was paroled into the United States in 2022 and her official immigration case still is pending. Her last court hearing was in October. Marroquin, who originally is from Guatemala, came to the United States fleeing violence, according to a news release from Escucha Mi Voz, an Iowa City nonprofit that works with immigrants. https:llwww.thegazette.cominational-politics!immigrants-in-iowa-fear-deportation-at-regular-check-in-meetings! f 19 3/25125, 9:46 AM Immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings I The Gazette r� 49 Reina Marroquin (right) thanks the crowd for their support outside of the U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Cedar Rapids Field office following an unexpected summons to report to the facility in southwest, Iowa, on Monday, March 24, 2025. Marroquin, a Guatemalan mother of two, lives in Postville. [Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette) Immigrants like Marroquin who are on parole or otherwise awaiting immigration court dates are required to check in with ICE regularly to verify that details like their address and work status have not changed. The check -in was unexpected. At Marroquin's last check -in, on March 3, she was told her next appointment would be May 8. But on March 14, ICE officers showed up unannounced at her home in Postville. She declined to open the door for them, but was told through the door that her next check -in meeting was being moved forward. Marroquin was concerned about the changed check -in date because her husband, Ernesto Muj Ixen, was recently detained by ICE. He entered the country without inspection, and was pulled over and detained while driving to work Feb. 28. He is in the process of requesting asylum through a credible fear interview, but faces the possibility of deportation. Marroquin reached out to Escucha Mi Voz and the nonprofit organized an accompaniment vigil for her, in which volunteers walked with her to the doors of the ICE office. Escucha Mi Voz has seen an increase in the last few months in people seeking help with immigration -related concerns. David Goodner, an executive director of Escucha Mi Voz, said the nonprofit had about 1,200 people come through its doors in 2024 seeking help with housing, legal aid, transportation, protective accompaniment, health system navigation and other assistance. In the first quarter of 2025, the nonprofit has already seen 500 people coming in looking for help. If that trend holds, it will be a 67 percent increase from last year. Escucha Mi Voz has already accompanied 30 people to check -ins so far this year, provided 35 free immigration consults, and given 14 microloans to help people get started on legal cases related to immigration. https;llwww.thegazette.cominational-politics!immigrants-in-iowa-fear-deportation-at-regular-check-in-meetings! 219 3/25125, 9:46 AM immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings I The Gazette A crowd gathers to show support for Reina Marroquin outside of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Cedar Rapids Field Office following an unexpected surnmons to report to the facility in southwest, Iowa, on Monday, March 24, 2025. Marroquin, a Guatemalan mother of two, lives in PostviIle. Jim 5losiarek/The Gazette) `It's really unfair how they're treating us' Marroquin told her story in Spanish in a video that was shown during a Zoom meeting Sunday night, during which Escucha Mi Voz volunteers and other community members met to make plans to accompany Marroquin to her Monday check -in. "Thank God that my kids weren't here when they came to my door that day. When they came home from school, I told them what happened, and they haven't been the same since. They can't sleep. They've been sad. They've been scared. They're so worried they don't want to leave or open the door for anyone," Marroquin said in the video, according to a translator in the Zoom meeting Sunday. "It's really unfair how they're treating us. We do deserve to be treated like human beings, and to be treated with respect just like they do. We're here to ask for the support of all of you," she said through the translator. https;llwww.thegazette.cominational-politics!immigrants-in-iowa-fear-deportation-at-regular-check-in-meetings! 319 3125125, 9:46 AM Immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings I The Gazette °r 1 AL V V� Ana Clymer (center) of Marion raises a sign she made as other people stand in support of Reina Marroquin outside of the U.S, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Cedar Rapids Field Office following an unexpected summons to report to the facility in southwest Cedar Rapids on Monday. Marroquin, a Guatemalan mother of two, lives in Postville. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette) A few selected volunteers attempted to accompany Marroquin inside the ICE office Monday, but they were denied entry. "We've done this in the past and oftentimes it's very routine. This time we're a little more concerned," Tom Mohan, one of the volunteers who planned to accompany Marroquin into the building, said. Mohan has accompanied other immigrants into the ICE officer for regular check -ins, so he said he was surprised when the volunteers were rejected this time at the door. But he was glad that Marroquin's check -in was quick and easy, and she was able to leave the appointment and g❑ home with her family. "We celebrate the power of our community, our presence, and our faith," Mohan said. https:llwww.thegazette.cominational-politics!immigrants-in-iowa-fear-deportation-at-regular-check-in-meetings! 419 3125125, 9:46 AM Immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings I The Gazette Tom Mahan speaks to the crowd of supporters after Reina Marroquin came out of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Cedar Rapids Field Office following an unexpected summons to report to the facility in southwest Cedar Rapids on Monday. Marroquin, a Guatemalan mother of two, lives in PostviIIe. C i m Slosiarek/The Gazette) Alejandra Escobar, another leader with Escucha Mi Voz, agreed. "They saw our presence. They saw our power. And they let her go," Escobar said in a rally after Marroquin left the ICE office. "This is what it looks like when community shows up for each other with faith and fire." "We're celebrating Reina's release, but we're not done," said Iowa City Catholic Worker Ann Tabor, "ICE has turned the Cedar Rapids office into a pipeline of harassment, intimidation, and detention. We will be back — louder, bigger, and more prepared to disrupt their cruelty." https;llwww.thegazette.cominational-politics!immigrants-in-iowa-fear-deportation-at-regular-check-in-meetings! 51g 3/25125, 9:46 AM immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings I The Gazette Reina Marroquin smiles as she is hugged outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Cedar Rapids Field office following an unexpected summons to report to the facility in southwest Cedar Rapids on Monday. Marroquin, a Guatemalan mother of two, lives in PostviIIe. {Jim SIosiarek/The Gazette) Some immigrants fled violence at home to seek asylum in U.S. Some of the other immigrants that Escucha Mi Voz works with, who have reported for regular check -ins in the past few months, have not had the same luck that Marroquin did in avoiding detention at a check -in. Sulyeka Ochoa, originally from Guatemala, spoke during the planning and support meeting Sunday, and told supporters about her husband, Ignacio Jesus Flores -Garcia, who was detained March 13 when he went into the ICE office for a regular check -in. "He had a check -in every month just like everyone else, and everything was fine until this last check -in that he went to," Ochoa said in the meeting, through a translator. "He called me later that day to tell me that he'd been detained. It's just been very difficult. We come to this country because we can't go back because our home country is very dangerous." Ochoa said her husband was told he was being detained because he had a prior deportation 16 years ago. Ochoa did not provide other details about the status of her husband's immigration case, but automated case information online shows he has a hearing scheduled for April 2, https:llwww.thegazette.cominational-politics!immigrants-in-iowa-fear-deportation-at-regular-check-in-meetings! 619 3/25125, 9:46 AM Immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings I The Gazette A crowd gathers to show support for Reina Marroquin outside of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Cedar Rapids Field office following an unexpected summons to report to the facility in southwest Cedar Rapids on Monday. Marroquin, a Guatemalan mother of two, lives in Postville. {Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette) Another couple who spoke with The Gazette, Felipe and jhojan, who came to the United States from Colombia, visited the ICE office in Cedar Rapids for a regular check -in on Feb. 5. Felipe was detained by ICE officers at that check -in. Escucha Mi Voz helped connect jhojan and Felipe to an immigration attorney who helped with their case, but at a hearing in Texas on Feb. 19, a judge ruled that Felipe would be deported. He still is being held in detention in Louisiana. jhojan said he's been told Felipe will be sent back to Colombia soon. jhojan told The Gazette he believes Felipe's detention and deportation are due to a clerical error on ICE's part, but The Gazette has not been able to verify this detail because ICE officials have not responded to multiple requests for comment over the past two months. Felipe and Jhojan came to the United States seeking asylum in June of last year. They fled Colombia after the Gulf Clan, a paramilitary group in Colombia, threatened their lives. jhojan asked The Gazette not to use his or Felipe's last names, fearing retribution by the Gulf Clan now that Felipe will be returning to Colombia. https:llwww.thegazette.cominational-politics!immigrants-in-iowa-fear-deportation-at-regular-check-in-meetings! 7/9 3/25125, 9:46 AM er 'PIP10. 'e30 49 dK-a OF dPNIP ` c dip rirl. w 1 e r� � �� rrMr'Mr�r 0 4 rir�r��r 110 arip 0WM0. Yr 440r'da lrp .0- �f,Kffq.ErlI : �� Ypi 0RY�MrI"��` ff. fYfr&EA ff P" Is P1, pIR&IM ■Ir ::0Yl0WIP01 rlMl�f , N4 1!. t" P R ■ Yti ti �■g4pp■ rPFtr ■ �Ye n■° j • r■ � w Immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings I The Gazette AW f �1 dry. _ •� Rj,�i �� 1' 11• �I �I°�nl � e.p�.:FII'�i - r •I : ;1 0, o 4 - � ° .II l ly�o f �'•� 1 1 af!' -rramm I .. I l°pOF: ;, OB M M��M P! o:u-1 r _ Felipe (right) and Jhojan (left), pictured during a visit to Chicago, have been Iiving in Iowa for abouts ix months after seeking asylum in the U.S. from a paramilitary group in their home country of Colombia. During a regular check -in at the Cedar Rapids ICE office on Feb. 5, Felipe was detained. Ajudge ruled Feb. 19 that he will be deported back to Colombia. Jhojan asked The Gazette not to use his or Felipe's last names, fearing retribution by a paramilitary group in Colombia. (Contributed) A gay couple, Felipe and Jhojan were well-known activists in the LGBTQ community in Concordia, Colombia. Jhojan said their activism drew the attention of the Gulf Clan, and they started receiving regular threats. h ttps: /Iwww. theg azette - co minati ona l-po l i tics/im m ig ra n is - i n-iowa-fear-d a portati on -a t- reg u la r-check-i n - meet i ngs/ 3125125, 9:46 AM Immigrants in Iowa fear deportation at regular check -in meetings I The Gazette "We wanted to start a movement in the town, so people would want to live more openly, and have things like LGBTI sexual education classes," Jhojan told The Gazette in an interview conducted in Spanish. "But since Concordia is practically militarized by (the Gulf Clan), +��+...-1 +.-. .++1-.v. +� +.-. +1 ++4.�+ _.P ..h. —I— 4....�..-. .I .14—, v.J.-.M.-..-1 4.:. n YVe sta LGU LV get L111 eat-50 LV LI IC FVll IL L11pL VII I1v VI I I ly I.VUJ11 IJ �VVI IV IJ, VI vvo,J, 01JV I IV I IIJ.>GAUa I, LI IGy I I I U I UGI CU 111111. The couple moved to the larger city of Medellin — about three hours away by car — in an attempt to escape the Gulf Clan, but the threats continued until they were eventually attacked outside their home and beaten. "The police were actually colluded with them, and they didn't help us at all. They were letting that group know that we weren't heeding the threats, and we decided to get out of there," Jhojan said. They left Medellin on June 27, 2024, and entered the United States through the San Ysidro, California port of entry on July 3, 2024. They were detained and moved to a detention center in Louisiana — the Jackson Parish Correctional Center — where they requested asylum. Both men went through a credible fear screening, which includes an interview in which immigrants seeking asylum are asked to explain why they have a fear of harm if they are returned to their country of origin. Initially, Felipe didn't pass the credible fear screening, but Jhojan did, and under U.S. immigration law, spouses and domestic partners can be included on each other's credible fear ruling if one or the other is found to have a credible fear. With the help of a Louisiana immigration lawyer, they were able to connect their cases, and both were granted permission to stay in the country, awaiting an asylum hearing scheduled for March. Their check -in was scheduled in Cedar Rapids in February, after the couple let ICE officials know they would be living in New Hampton, Iowa, with Jhojan's aunt, who has lived in the country for three years. ADVERTISING Jhojan said he believes Felipe's case file was not updated in ICE's system to show that Felipe had been granted credible fear along with Jhojan. He believes that's why Felipe was detained at the February check -in. "An ICE official ... told Felipe to stand up and grab his belongings ... and he told him that he was going to detain him, that he had a deportation order, that he already had an order to deport him and that he didn't have any documentation to stay in this country," Jhojan said, in Spanish. "What seemed weird to us is we had just presented ourselves there to show them that yes, he has the documents, that he has parole, that he has a probationary stay of one year." Currently, Jhojan is gathering money from supportive friends and family to send to Felipe when he arrives back in Colombia. Jhojan is planning to stay in the United States for now and continue pursuing the immigration process for himself, so that hopefully Felipe can join him later. "Really, in Colombia, we aren't safe because of problems with bad people, but if this country rejects me as well, I will have to return to Colombia and try to be alright," Jhojan said, in Spanish. "We've been doing everything right, and that's why this surprised us so much, that even though we've done everything right, they're doing this to us." Comments: (319) 398-8328; emily.ondersen@thegazette.com https:llwww.thegazette.wm/national-politics/imm igrants-in-iowa-fear-deportation-at-requ lar-check-i n-meetings/ 9/9 1i HOUSES INTO HOMES March 28, 2025 RESJ Report: Houses into Homes Kitchen Starter Sets Houses into Homes 401 6th Ave. Suite 1 Coralville IA 52241 319-435-1075 directors@housesintohomes.org In our grant application, we noted that our community addresses food insecurity through our food pantries and food rescue organizations, but having the food items is only part of the solution. Individuals and families need kitchen equipment to turn food into meals. We want to make sure that every home we furnish has the kitchen essentials, and the majority of the households we serve need at least a few cooking items. PROVIDING KITCHEN SETS Since July 1, 2024, we have delivered to 271 households. 162 of those households (60%) requested and received kitchen sets. Because we received several grants in 2024 to support the purchase of kitchen sets, we have been able to spread out the purchase of needed items, and there is $1,390.83 remaining of the awarded RESJ grant funds. These remaining funds will be spent in the next few months on kitchen items. Attached to this report is the one additional receipt to the expenses reported on in November. IMPACT In our November report, we noted that we had not added a question about kitchen sets to our research survey, but that question had been added. We have not received an official analysis from our research team, but we can report preliminary numbers. Respondents were asked whether they received kitchen items. If yes, the two follow-up questions asked were whether the number of meals they were able to enjoy together as a family increased, stayed the same, or decreased, and whether the number of nutritious meals they were able to eat at home increased, stayed the same, or decreased. Out of 75 respondents since the question was added, 65 received kitchen sets (87%). 54 of those 65 households (83%) indicated that the number of meals that they ate together as a family increased after receiving the kitchen set. The remaining 11 households (17%) responded that the number of meals stayed the same. 58 households (89%) reported that the number of nutritious meals they ate at home increased. 7 households (11 %) said that the number of nutritious meals stayed the same. These results confirm the information presented in our application, including the study by Oakley and Nikolaus that found that "the greater the number of cooking appliances owned, the more frequent the number of family meals and the higher the number of home -prepared dinners their children consumed." Being able to enjoy nutritious meals together is a meaningful benefit to the work we do. One of the survey respondents said, "It's been such a relief to finally sit down and enjoy a meal at a proper kitchen table. For so long, not being able to afford one meant eating while standing became the norm, but now, having a table has brought a sense of comfort and normalcy back into my daily routine. It's also made my home feel more aesthetic and welcoming." Thank you, Lucy Barker, Director of Development Houses into Homes From: flahertyemCcbaol.com To: Barbara Eckstein; Bill Aossev; Dea Epley Birtwistle; Bill Gerhard; Bill Pusateri; Dina Bishara; John Birtwistle; Mary Beth Versarove; Becky Hall; Becky Ross; Benn Dunninaton; Eileen Beran; bill o"neill; Bob & Carole Winkleblack; n.boerner(o)gmail.com; Stefanie Bowers; Joe Bolkcom; Margaret Brumm; Brian R. Farrell; Samantha Brotman; Glenda Buenger; Lisa Baum; Libby Conley; Daniel Graham Clark; Barbara Clark; Kvran J. Cook; Casey Harwood; Cedar Democrats; Celia Dunninaton; Conareaational Church of Iowa Citv; Rosanne Cook; Tom and Joan Cook; Jan Corderman; Mary L. Cohen; Robert Conrad; Clark Rieke; Ed Cranston; Laura Crossett; Mary Ann Van Cura Subject: April 4th Martin Luther King Event Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025 4:25:07 PM xx This email originated outside of the City of Iowa City email system. Please take extra care opening any links or attachments. xx Dear Friends, Hope you can drop in anytime on Friday, April 4th. Read. Listen. Two of the most important speeches by Martin Luther King. SO relevant to today's toxic environment. A Community Reading of Martin Luther King's "Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence" Fifty-eight years later, on April 4, 2025 0 FRIDAY, April 4, 2025. 11AM to 6 PM LOCATION: Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, Auditorium 200 S. Gilbert, Iowa City 52240 rnium& ZAew v `" I cQe&emd, 6 mod c*n&om,,,uJ 4f.ee& on CYA "`" 4, 1967. One yw- ow Cyt & 4, 1968, kew-"a4uasbunfdi& mem. Come read with us his 1967 Speech, and excerpts from his last speech on April 3, 19681 "I've Been to the Mountaintop" Free and open to the public. Come listen, or read o portion. The presentation will be repeated several times. Come and go os you wish. (vf�161. org) Peace Sponsored by Veterans For a Chapter #161 Eastern Iowa LATE HANDOUTS - THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WERE DISTRIBUTED AT THE MEETING Indigenous Art Alliance Grant Report 4/1/2025 The mission for the Indigenous Art Alliance is Educatingand exploring Indigenous Culture, heritage, and history through contemporary arts. Emphasis is placed on the historical tribal nations of Iowa, while also giving the broader scope of Indigenous perspective. The Indigenous Art Alliance hosts events showcasing Indigenous Arts and Artists to the Iowa City community, as well as the State of Iowa in general. While we strive to provide contemporary arts and artists, we also provide education about history of Indigenous Peoples. Through this endeavor we bring forth healing and a look at Indigenous culture through art, storytelling, song, film, spoken word, fashion and food. The variety of art mediums gives a broader look into where Indigenous People have been and where we are today. The Indigenous Art Alliance hosted an event on October 14t", 2024, for Indigenous Peoples Day. The event was at the Beloved Community Initiative in Iowa City. The event showed maps and information about Meskwaki people, and the ties to the Iowa City area. There we also books by myself that I shared, giving context to what I have been doing as an artist. The event engaged in small conversation about the history of Meskwaki people. There was also discussion about the Indigenous Art Alliance and our mission. The event also showcased a recording artist from Oglala, South Dakota, Tiana Spotted Thunder. Tiana is a vocalist of many genres but specializes in singing traditional Lakota and indigenous music. She travels throughout North America to Powwows as a backup singer for drum groups as well as performing solo for various audiences. Her vocal range reveals the pride of her identity as a Lakota woman. Information can be found on her website tianaspottedthunder.com. Tiana came for one and a half hours to sing, accompanied by stories of song origin. She also shared herjourney about how she started singing, and where she grew up. Tiana's upbringing is what influenced her to sing, as she was encouraged by relatives in her life. Tiana shared how these songs have brought her healing, and how she uses her singing to help woman and young girls to find healing as well. Tiana also spoke about the history of her tribe and her ancestry. The event consisted of Iowa City community members, and students of the University of Iowa's Native American Student Association and the International Writer's Program. The Indigenous Art Alliance has two more events planned that was set for November 16t" and the 24'. The first event is a Native Comedy Show featuring Tatanka Means and Adrianne Chalepah. This event is going to be at the Willow Creek Theatre in Iowa City, Iowa. This event was planned for November to Celebrate Native Heritage Month. This event had to be postponed due to cultural reasons but is working on a new date before the Grant timeline expires. Adrianne Chalepah is a multi -talented Native American artist, who has built her career on a profound love for storytelling. This passion fuels her success across various creative disciplines, including comedy, acting, and public speaking. A Fort Lewis College honors graduate, Adrianne's storytelling journey began in stand-up comedywith "49 Laughs Comedy"; and her co-founded group "Three Sisters Comedy"; performing throughout North America. Her gift for narrative has seamless lytranslated to acting, with notable roles in groundbreaking series like FX's "Reservation Dogs"; Peacock's "Rutherford Falls"; and most recently as Laura, Bennie Safdie's girlfriend, in the acclaimed series "The Curse"; As a 2021 Yes and Laughter Lab Finalist and MFA holder in Creative Writing, Chalepah continues to craft compelling stories both on and off screen. A member of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma and a mother of four, Chalepah draws from her rich cultural background to inform herwork. Whether through stand-up, acting, or speaking engagements, her dedication to authentic storytelling remains the cornerstone of her diverse and impactful career. She will be performingwith another notable Native American comedian. Tatanka Means is an award -winning actor and stand-up comedian from Chinle, Arizona. He represents the Navajo, Oglala Lakota, Yankton Dakota and Omaha Nations. His most recent film is the Oscar nominated "Killers of The Flower Moon" directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese and is now available on AppleTV+. Means is currently filming on Kevin Costner's new epic western, "Horizon: An American Saga" with part one just released in theaters and part two coming out this fall. He can be seen next in "Wind River: Rising" "Outer Range" on Amazon, "Opus" with A24, "Canyon of the Dead" and season one of the new NETFLIX series, "Ransom Canyon." Aside from actingTatanka performs stand-up comedy throughout Indian Country spreading the good medicine of laughter and inspirational motivation to all ages. Tatanka was recently a featured comedian on the PBS special, "Roots of Comedy," with Jesus Trejo. He has become one of the busiest most in -demand touring Native comedians performing today. Tatanka was named "Entertainer of The Year" by the National Indian Gaming Association. He is proud to be an alcohol& drug -free sober performer. This event showcases two premier comedians in Native American Performing Arts. This event would be great for sharing the journey of these artists who I have seen coming up in their respective careers. The story of where they have come from, and how they got to be on successful TV series is truly remarkable. This event will be great for the community and provide a vison of what we are doingwith the Indigenous Art Alliance. We have been marketingthe event on social media and will be inviting the Ulowa Native American Student Association and people of the Meskwaki community. This event will be documented with photos and be filmed for ourYouTube Channel. Meskwaki Nation Times has also been invited to document the event, as well as the All Native Hip - Hop Show. The event that was to be held on Nov. 24t", 2024, is a Native Hip -Hop Show at Gabe's in Iowa City. This event will feature some great Native Hip Hop artists who have some great upcoming stories, that will teach and provide a great narrative of their respective tribal histories. This event is an all - ages show, featuring Stella Standing Bear, Tall Paul, Def-I and Stuart James. This is an all -ages show. All these artists provide a positive message and come from different tribal nations. All these artists have worked as respective artists and have given back to Native communities, have hosted workshops for youth and have continued to make an impact in Native arts. These artists will meet with some Meskwaki youth to share their stories and how they have become performing artists. All the artists I have invited to perform fit the Mission of the Indigenous Arts Alliance. All the artists have dedicated their time to creating positive platforms and have been working at their craft for years. The goal of having these artists and events is to raise awareness about Indigenous Peoples, and the things we go through as Indigenous peoples. To provide stories and art that shows what life is like for Native people who are young and continue to educate the public about what life is like for a Native/Indigenous person today. To speak about the injustices, we continue to face today, and the disparities we encounter as Native/Indigenous peoples. To raise awareness about the environmental injustices we face, still on our Indigenous lands. The racism we deal with and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives crisis we are still facing. To raise awareness about the effects of Colonialism and Colonization that still lingers today. To bring awareness to the mental health problems we face in our lives and communities; the drug and alcohol problems and what they bring. And the problems that come out of those problems, like Domestic Violence. To also tell through our art, the ways we have personally combatted all those things, to make it where we are today and to share and perform our art, making it out of that environment to do positive things with our lives. Through the arts and the artists, we invite to perform for the public to get a real -life look at not only the inequalities we face but can also see the beauty we still carry passed down for generations. Indigenous people still have things to offer society and still have a story to tell, despite the continued attempts at erasure. The events are open to the public and invites have been sent to other organizations throughout Iowa and Iowa City. The University of Iowa Native American Student Association has been invited to attend. Some of the problems that we have faced so far in organizing these events and hosting these events have been finding venues in Iowa City. Some venues we asked have had prior bookings, or didn't respond to my request for a booking, or wanted more money than we had to give for a venue space. However, the venues we eventually got were recommended by friends. Other issues have been finding other sponsors to help with these shows. I have asked many businesses in Iowa City and the Meskwaki Tribal community but have never received a response. Hopefully, for events coming in 2025, 1 will have a response by then. A bigger issue is getting the property on 10 S. Gilbert St. opened, due to lack of financial support. I still have a lease on the space and am working to acquire the funds to open the doors. I have applied for grants from Indigenous organizations and have requested help from tribal governments but haven't gotten a response at this time. Despite that, I am still working on providing not only these events, but the events I have lined up for 2025. I am currently working on hosting an art exhibition featuring artists from the Meskwaki community. I have several artists working on art right now for this event. I am also working on an Indigenous Fashion Show for 2025. Furthermore, I have spent $16,281.90. 6375.00 on Stella Standing Bear Performance 11/24/24 5,000.00 on Tatanka Means Performance 11/16/24 1200.00 on Tiana Spotted Thunder Performance 10/14/24 1877.00 on Alpha III Sony Camera for Livestreaming and Documenting Events for Social Media 179.10 Graduate Hotel for Tiana Spotted Thunder Lodging 1650.00forAdrianne Chalepah Performance 11/16/24 1 will be hosting the other events in 2025. 1 have posted photo of Tiana Spotted Thunder Indigenous Peoples Day event on my social media page. All these events are geared toward building community and education with the intention of eliminating the inequities of Indigenous Representation in Iowa City and Iowa. Although these events had to be postponed to a later date, we are still working on a new date and will be finished by the Grants timeline. We will update the events time and schedule. We will also be posting social media about the event and documenting these events for final Grant summary.