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DiverCity
DEI Newsletter
May 2023
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May Newsletter Content
- Human Rights Commissioner Spotlight
- City Proclamations
- Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- Cinco de Mayo Story
- World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development Story
- DEI Event Showcase
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Spotlight
Human Rights Commissioner
Robert Morgan
Robert Morgan was born at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, into a lineage of military service members; from his father and father’s family that hail from Detroit, Michigan, to his mother’s family that reside in South Korea. He grew up living in various cities around the globe and across the United States, which exposed him to diverse people, places, and cultures. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he decided to follow in those footsteps and serve our country, while continuing to seek the chance to learn from the areas he lived and visited and the people he interacted with throughout his own career.
Robert and his family chose to move to West Des Moines, Iowa, in 2017 based on the WDMCS education system and career opportunities. However, another opportunity eventually presented itself to move to a more culturally diverse location, but the family decided to stay, get involved, and push for positive change in their community. He plans to use his position as a Human Rights Commissioner to make some of those changes.
“I know other families are having those conversations,” Rob said regarding relocating and the recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Iowa. “Things always seem bleak when you’re in the trenches, and it’s raining, and the situation just doesn’t look good. But there’s always hope, and you have to fight for your beliefs in any way you can…Not everybody is as proactive in voicing themselves and taking action; some do things behind the scenes and some turn to faith. There are many ways people can help. Everyone has their own way to do it. We have to make sure people can live their lives free of discrimination.”
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Trailblazers Throughout History
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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AANHPI Heritage Month was created to celebrate the generations of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and culture for generations. The month of May was chosen to mark the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the United States on May 7, 1843, as well as the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The theme for this year’s celebration, selected by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, is "Advancing Leaders Through Opportunity," which builds on a leadership advancement theme series that began two years ago.
According to the 2020 Census, there are 24 million people in the United States who fall under the umbrella of AANHPI, and are the fastest-growing racial or ethnic group in America. If you’re looking for ways to support the AANHPI community, a great list of resources has been developed by the group Stop AAPI Hate that encapsulates everything from mental health resources to information about legislation and policies.
How can you celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month?
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The Antidote to Antisemitism
Jewish American Heritage Month
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In 2006, President George W. Bush signed the first proclamation designating May as Jewish American Heritage Month. This proclamation - which has been repeated by each president in the years since - intends to celebrate the Jewish Americans who have contributed to our nation’s history, but one cannot fully appreciate the impact Jewish Americans have had on our country without also recognizing the influences of anti-Semitism in the past and present.
Anti-Semitism traces back to the time of Jesus and Pontius Pilate and has endured through the centuries in different forms. From pogroms to the Holocaust, discrimination and hatred towards the Jewish people have had a significant impact on the history of our world and our nation – but anti-Semitism didn’t come to an end with the defeat of the Nazis. A recent 2022 survey by global advocacy group American Jewish Committee, 89% of American Jews and 68% of the general (non-Jewish) public see anti-Semitism as a problem today in the United States.
How can you celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month?
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An Anniversary of Victory
Cinco de Mayo
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Cinco de Mayo (The Fifth of May) is a commemoration of Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This victory provided the Mexican Army a much needed morale boost during the midst of the Second French-Mexican War. Since then, Mexicans have held onto that patriotic spirit and spend the day celebrating Mexico’s brave resistance against its invaders.
Mexico was still recovering financially and politically from two previous wars when France invaded Mexico. France wanted to establish an empire in Mexico that would be favorable to French interests. After sending the Mexican government into retreat, the French government set its eyes upon Mexico City. However, on their conquest to Mexico City, the French encountered heavy resistance by Mexican forces in Puebla. The resistance was so strong that they forced the French to retreat. Although this victory was short-lived, it helped generate unity and patriotism among the army and general public.
Mexican-Americans hold Cinco de Mayo close to their hearts with the holiday being more popular in the United States than Mexico. Upon receiving news of the victory in 1863, Mexican miners in California fired off rifle shots and fireworks while singing patriotic songs and making impromptu speeches. This likely marked the first Cinco de Mayo celebration in the United States. Today, Mexican-Americans celebrate with historical reenactments, parades, music, folkloric dancing, and food.
How do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo in a way that honors its history?
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Promoting and Protecting Who We Are
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
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The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, celebrated on May 21 each year, highlights the importance of intercultural dialogue in achieving peace and sustainable development. The cultural and creative sector has proven its value in generating social cohesion, education, and personal well-being, while also contributing significantly to global GDP and employment. Cultural diversity is essential for poverty reduction and sustainable development and can promote dialogue and mutual understanding among civilizations and cultures. The day provides an opportunity to advance the goals of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, including supporting sustainable governance for culture, achieving a balanced flow of cultural goods and services, integrating culture into sustainable development frameworks, and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development also emphasizes the importance of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. The cultural and creative sector is essential for generating social cohesion, education, and personal well-being, but its potential for economic growth is often underestimated. The cultural sector accounts for 3.1% of global GDP and 6.2% of all employment. Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral, and spiritual life. Three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension, so bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability, and development. The day provides an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to promote the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.
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Ronald K Brown/EVIDENCE
Thursday, May 4
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | DSM Civic Center
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Founded by Ronald K. Brown in 1985 and based in Brooklyn, New York, EVIDENCE, A Dance Company focuses on the seamless integration of traditional African dance with contemporary choreography and spoken word.
Brown uses movement as a way to reinforce the importance of community in African American culture and to acquaint audiences with the beauty of traditional African forms and rhythms. He is an advocate for the growth of the African American dance community and is instrumental in encouraging young dancers to choreograph and to develop careers in dance. Tickets range from $15 to $61.
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WDMCS Community Engagement Event
Thursday, May 9
4 PM - 6 PM | DSM Evelyn K. Davis Center
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Calling everyone that graduated in 1978 and earlier to come out to Evelyn K. Davis Center on May 9th 2023 at 4 PM to enjoy dinner (free) while they catch up with classmates and meet new friends. Please encourage, but optional, to support their schools by reaching in their closest grabbing football jerseys, pom poms, and more. Let’s see what school shows up best.
Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of our timeless graduates. Your hard work and dedication helped pave the way for future generations. Let's come together to recognize and honor you!
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Annual Festival Cinco de Mayo
Saturday, May 6
12 PM - 10 PM | Historic Valley Junction
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Historic Valley Junction Foundation presents our Annual Festival Cinco de Mayo on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from Noon to 10:00 pm. Visitors are invited to enjoy Mexican foods, artwork, live music, dancing, and family activities.
Celebrating the Mexican heritage of many railroad workers during the establishment years of Valley Junction, this festival is an opportunity to recognize the Mexican community who helped James Jordan’s vision of bringing the railroad to the Des Moines area become a reality. In honor of our strong heritage, we will proclaim and announce of our Cinco de Mayo King and Queen.
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OneIowa Queer Clay Night
Friday, May 12
6:45 PM - 9:30 PM | Historic Valley Junction
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Join One Iowa and Sadboy Ceramics for a night of queer joy at a Queer Clay Night! Queer spaces in Des Moines are few and far between, yet they are sacred and necessary for queer folx. These workshops are for queer-identifying people to have fun with clay.
This is more than just a “paint-it-yourself pottery” class; in this workshop, participants will receive an unfired mug that they can carve, sculpt onto, sgraffito, underglaze, slip trail, and more. Think of it as a collaborative piece between you and Nathan (the SadBoy himself). Your mug will then be bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again for you to pick up 3-4 weeks later.
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Greater Opportunities Youth Town Hall
Thursday, May 18
6:30 PM - 9 PM | DSM North Side CRC
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The Be Heard Youth Town Hall invites Des Moines high school students to participate in a forum to discuss concerns they have about education and their community during a panel that will include a coalition made up of Des Moines community leaders and businesses.
Student concerns will be noted and developed into a plan to improve schools and the community — with a goal toward creating a better city for all.
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CultureAll Japanese Holidays Throughout the Year
Thursday, May 25
6:30 PM - 9 PM | WDM Public Library
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Please join us for a presentation about Japanese holidays throughout the year. You'll learn about the different holidays and celebrations of Japanese culture, which took place thousands of years ago in ancient Japan and are now held annually.
This presentation is given by Miki Takayama, who has been a member of the Japan America Society of Iowa since 2011 and is pleased to share her Japanese culture with the communities in Iowa.
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Iowa Asian Alliance CelebrAsian
Friday, May 26
DSM Western Gateway Park
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Experience over a dozen Asian Villages where you can delight all five of your senses from the authentic asian food, educational activities, to live cultural entertainment! The festival unites the different Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in Iowa.
Since its inception, CelebrAsian has become one of the year’s most anticipated events. Don't miss out on the largest Asian American event in Iowa, showcasing cultural exhibits, history, food, performance artists, sports, martial arts, and family-friendly activities.
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OneIowa LGBTQ 101 Training Presentation
Wednesday, May 31
6 PM - 7:30 PM | WDM Public Library
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Are you unsure about what LGBTQ stands for? Would you like to learn about how to best support people in our community?
We are excited to welcome OneIowa to our Library for a training presentation on LGBTQ 101. Come and learn about the definitions of basic LGBTQ identities, defining sex v. gender, pronouns and how to use them, health disparities within the LGBTQ community, and much more. Attendees will also learn inclusivity best practices and supportive ally-ship.
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City of West Des Moines
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
4200 Mills Civic Parkway, Suite 1A
8 AM - 5 PM
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