BLACK LIVES OF DSM
LISTEN. Learn. ELEVATE. AMPLIFY.
Black Lives of DSM is a community-funded first-person storytelling project,
created to amplify voices and experiences of Black individuals in Central Iowa.
WE BELIEVE IN THE
LOVE OF COMMUNITY.
Our work is about invigorating and chronicling Black voices and experiences to build a stronger community.
HOW WAS BLACK LIVES OF DSM STARTED? Black Lives of DSM was founded by Janae Gray with the contribution of community individuals to amplify the Black voices through storytelling and advocacy within our communities. Born during the protests and racial justice movement in Des Moines, Iowa in May of 2020.
WHY STORYTELLING? We believe that by sharing individual stories of the Black community, we can bridge gaps and break down barriers that still exist within our streets, schools, businesses and workplaces. We believe that by elevating and amplifying the stories of our sisters, brothers, teachers, children, mothers, fathers, activists, and leaders; that we can and will bring positive change within Central Iowa to grow and unite our communities.
HOW WILL THESE MESSAGES BE CARRIED ON? Amplifying voices and bridging gaps include future initiatives of published book(s), exhibits, podcasts, visual murals, fundraising to support Black community initiatives, policy change, and more. Please consider supporting these initiatives with a donation to bridge a vibrant community in Des Moines and Central Iowa.
THESE ARE THEIR STORIES.
Please consider lending some support to elevate and amplify Black IOWAN voices.
toGETHER WE CAN create vibrant community in Des Moines and Central Iowa.
VISUALIZING
THEIR VOICES
THE CONTRIBUTORS
The Black Lives of DSM initiative has been brewed with love and support of the following individuals who’ve dedicated their time, energy, talent and passion to assist in amplifying Black voices by documenting our history.
Janae (Teclaw) Gray
Curator and Founder of Black LIves of DSM / email
Emily Lang, Community Bridge Builder and
Co-Founder of RunDSM @movement515
Cullen Powers, Photographer
@powers.house.media
Andrew Clements, Photographer @flixsbydrew
Melissa Walker, Writer / email
Laura Wills, Photographer @laurawillsphotography
Jami Miline, Writer
@jamimilne
