Urban Experience Magazine

12/12/2024

🎉 Congratulations to Ako Abdul-Samad, recipient of the 2024 NAACP Excellence in Advocacy Award! 🏆

Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad’s life has been a testament to the power of advocacy and community leadership. As the founder of Creative Visions Human Development Institute and a state legislator for 18 years, he has championed initiatives that address systemic inequities, from police reform to poverty alleviation.

Ako’s impact extends far beyond policy. His work includes mediating conflicts, empowering underserved populations, and fostering collaboration across community and government sectors. His leadership and dedication have made a lasting difference in countless lives.

Please join us in celebrating this remarkable advocate and leader! 💜

12/12/2024

✨🎤We are thrilled to have Laryssa Leone of We Are Iowa Local 5 News return as our host for The Big Little Game Show!✨🎤

Watch teams of Littles, Bigs, and Community Leaders face off in exciting games, with plenty of audience participation to keep the energy electric!

📅 Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
🕕 Time: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Reception), 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm (Game Show)
📍 Location: Viking Theatre at Grand View University
🌟 Sign up to attend this free event: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/27a2u79.

To become a sponsor, please contact Lauryn Nystrom, Fund Development Manager, at [email protected]. All proceeds benefit our Future Pathways mentoring program.

12/11/2024

Meet Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa! They'll be joining us on December 11th at Community for a Cause.

December's Membership Luncheon spotlights Chamber member non-profits, and one will walk away with proceeds raised during the event! Learn more about the nature of this event and reserve your tickets here: https://loom.ly/z1f2AUk

12/11/2024

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

🎉 Congratulations to the Central District Baptist Association, recipient of the 2024 NAACP Faith-Based Organization Award! 🏆

With over 90 years of service, the Central District Baptist Association has demonstrated unwavering commitment to uplifting the community through outreach programs and partnerships. Under the leadership of Rev. Moses A. Ward, Sr., the organization has engaged in impactful initiatives such as voter registration drives, financial literacy workshops, mentoring, and providing critical resources like food pantries, clothing closets, and health clinics.

Their collective strength lies in their 20-member churches, which work together to transform lives and embody the spirit of faith and service. Congratulations to the Central District Baptist Association for their remarkable contributions to faith and community! 💜

12/10/2024

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

🎉 Congratulations to Candace Carr, recipient of the 2024 NAACP Youth Leadership Award! 🏆

From mentoring peers and empowering youth through her work with Theta Eta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to addressing critical community issues like food insecurity, educational access, maternal health outcomes, and youth empowerment. Candace has proven herself to be a dedicated advocate for change exemplifying leadership, service, and excellence.

A senior at Drake University with a 3.83 GPA, Candace's academic achievements and community impact inspire her peers and elders alike. Her efforts to unite and uplift her community remind us all that "compassion for one another" should truly be a lifestyle.

Let’s celebrate Candace’s incredible contributions and her well-deserved honor! 💜

12/10/2024

Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

🎉 Congratulations to Representative Ruth Ann Gaines for Iowa 33, recipient of the prestigious Sue M. Brown "Women in the NAACP" Award! 🏆

This award, named after the trailblazing Sue M. Wilson Brown, honors her legacy as a civil rights activist, suffragist, and the first female president of the Des Moines Branch NAACP. Brown’s dedication to equality set a powerful precedent for leadership and service.

Rep. Gaines embodies this legacy through her remarkable contributions to education, mentorship, and advocacy. As founder of Sisters for Success, a mentor to countless youth and women, a life-long educator, and a servant leader in the community and the Iowa House of Representatives, she continues to uplift and inspire her community.

Let us celebrate Ruth Ann Gaines, a modern-day torchbearer of Sue M. Brown’s vision! 💜

12/09/2024

Congratulations 🎉🎊 🎉

🎉 Congratulations to The Healthy Project on being named the 2024 NAACP Organization of the Year! 🏆

Dedicated to "Bridging Health, Culture, and Justice," The Healthy Project is a pioneering public health media organization reframing health narratives through an equity lens. Led by Corey Dion Lewis, their innovative work includes initiatives like the "Coffee Can't Fix Everything" podcast, which destigmatizes mental health conversations, and a growing portfolio of impactful projects that empower underserved communities.

Their commitment to delivering accurate, accessible, and actionable health information has strengthened community connections and amplified diverse voices in health communication.

Join us in celebrating this outstanding organization and its transformative contributions to health equity! 👏💚

12/09/2024

Weeeeeere Backkkk! It's our 3rd annual art gala and auction! That's right! JANUARY 18th 2025! TICKETS are on sale now.

Visit our website for more information
www.sistasoulfest.com

Calling all creatives, artists, photographers, culinary bakers, fashion, and jewelry designers. This is your chance to say it, LOUD!! Can't wait to see you there!

For more details, please visit our website at www.sistasoulfest.com

Please post and share!

🔥❤️

12/09/2024

Congratulations 🎉🎊🎈

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes, recipient of the NAACP Visionary Leadership in Education Award! 🏆

Dr. Mayberry-Mayes has exemplified outstanding dedication to education, workforce development, and advocacy. As the Executive Director of The Jacobson Institute and a leader in numerous community organizations, his work has transformed lives and created pathways for success for both students and working professionals.

Your vision, leadership, and commitment inspire us all. Join us in celebrating his achievements and impact on our community! 👏🎓

12/09/2024

✨ NOW BOOKING! ✨
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share God’s love through worship. If you’re looking to create a space for hearts to connect with Him, I would be honored to serve with you for:
🎤 Live Recordings
🎶 Studio Sessions
🎵 Concerts
🙏 Worship Services
🎟 Conferences

It’s my prayer that we can come together to lift His name and experience His presence in a powerful way. For inquiries, please email [email protected].

Thank you for considering me—let’s worship together and glorify His name! 💕

12/05/2024

Congratulations to our friends Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa.

12/05/2024

12/03/2024

Have your gift matched this Giving Tuesday!

Donate here: https://tinyurl.com/DMP-Giving-Tuesday

12/03/2024

We’re making fantastic progress this Giving Tuesday, already raising 55% toward our $5,000 goal! Thank you to everyone who has generously contributed so far!

A huge shoutout to First Interstate Bank for their incredible support—your gift will be matched up to $5,000, doubling the impact of every donation.

Every contribution helps empower our students, creating brighter futures and meaningful opportunities. Let’s keep the momentum going! If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to make a difference.

Donate here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/dz2pjq

Thank you for being part of this amazing day of giving! 💙

12/03/2024

Giving Tuesday is this upcoming Tuesday, December 2. Please consider the Latina Leadership Develpment campaign in your giving plans to Helping Entrepreneurs Rise, Building Innovative Zeal Program.

Learn more here:

https://www.desmoinesfoundation.org/givedsm/2025-latina-leadership-initiative-herbiz-helping-entrepreneurs-rise-building-innovative-zeal-program

12/03/2024

🌟 This Giving Tuesday, Be the Change on 6th Avenue! 🌟

Your support helps us transform one of Central Iowa's most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. From empowering local entrepreneurs through our E3 program to cultivating minority developers and hosting the Iowa Developers of Color Summit, we’re working to create an equitable, thriving community.

Every dollar brings us closer to a brighter future. Join us in revitalizing 6th Avenue—together, we can make a lasting impact! 💛

📅 Donate Today: scan the QR code below