I'll Make Me a World in Iowa

IMMWII is a diverse collaboration of Iowans, highlighting African-American arts, culture, and contributions through education, awareness, and preservation. The 11-year-old festival brings thousands of people throughout the state each year. This year Executive Director, Betty Andrews granted me the opportunity to be the hostess for the opening ceremonies. I must say the sessions this year were most appropriate for the times and the condition of youth in Des Moines. Nevertheless, schools from all over the state were represented.

I took part in a session on entrepreneurship put on by Debra Carr and the African American Business Association. I also had the opportunity to meet Nikko from American Idol and Luddy.

One of the most redeeming qualities of this date is that the corporate citizenship is fluid throughout the communities. An event like IMMAWII would not be possible without the support of sponsors. At the IMMAWII Gala there were over 20 major sponsors recognized. In a time when corporate greed is in the headlines, it’s good to know that some corporations continue to give back.

Washington, DC

1/15/09

So my journey as Miss Black Iowa has just begun and guess how I'm starting it… a ROAD TRIP! I'm going on my first road trip ever (family vacations don't count :))! I couldn’t be more excited. Tomorrow, at 3am I am headed to Washington, DC to take part in two of the most fabulous things happening in DC.

Number 1: The Miss Black USA Pageant has teamed up with the American Heart Association to promote their "Heart of Truth Campaign," an initiative that educates women on heart disease and diabetes. Each of the delegates will be a part of a photo shoot in conjunction with this campaign.

Number 2: The Inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Obama. I was honored to receive a ticket from Representative Boswell. It brings be joy that I will be present to witness the First Black President of the United States inaugurated. May God continue to bless America!

1/16/09

I conjured up a pretty convincing request to get a friend to drive along with me. So I was not alone on this 16 hour drive. It was icy in Indiana, but smooth coasting afterward. As we drove through the beautiful state Ohio, I saw traces of the recent economic whirl winds. Through my eyes, I felt the strength of Ohioans’ work ethic and determination. My short visit in Ohio meant more to me than the what the news has been saying for over a year. As my grandmother always says, "You have to go through to get to." We're getting there. After Ohio, we rode through the mountains and valleys of Pennsylvania. At 10:09pm, we arrived.

1/17/09

8:12am Rise and shine, was time to take on the day. I ate breakfast with Arizona, New York, and North Carolina. After eating and mingling, several of us went to a room to participate in a Mary Kay facial led by New York, a consultant. Even though I had sat through many of those, that one had to have been the most fun!

Later on in the afternoon, it was time for the photo shoot. I wore a red dress with black pumps and dangling ruby earrings. This was my very first photo shoot and it was a blast! The make-up artist was amazing, the hair stylist was wonderful, and the photographer was entertaining. They all did a good job keeping us comfortable and helping us put our best face on. I was happy with the pictures.

1/18/09

Well that task was complete. After all of the networking and good times, I'm glad I came. I’ve made some lasting connections. Tomorrow, I am going to do a dry run for Tuesday's events. It's very busy in DC due to the inaugural events. Over 3 million people are in the city.

1/19/09

It’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and President-elect Barack Obama has declared it the National Day of Service. I volunteered with Miss Black DC at an event put on by Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and Feeding America. We fed the homeless of DC and gave them warm clothes for the winter. There I met guests such as Josh Groban, Herby Hancock, David Arquette, and Martin Luther King III. Thousands came through.

1/20/09

Today is the day that we will inaugurate the first black president of this country. I began at Congressman Boswell's office. I sat down with Mrs. Boswell and chatted about her experiences living in state of Iowa. She is such a kind and light hearted lady. The Congressman strategized for the afternoon.

After I received my tickets, it was time to go in the cold. We stood in lines for almost two hours, but it was fun. I met so many people as there were millions to meet. The spirit was wonderful. There were smiles on their faces despite them being a mile from the face of President Barack Obama. The crowds yelled "Fired up, ready to go."

When I reached the gates there was a feeling of accomplishment. I had arrived. And then it hit me. We were about to inaugurate a black president. I was overwhelmed when I gazed at the sea of people: Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, British, and all of the above were there…seeking something new.

My last stop was a reception for the Iowa Delegation. I met with other Iowan who shared my story. They traveled over 1000 miles to witness what many perceive to be a miracle. We shared a wonderful time.

1/21/09

It's 4:30am. Time to go home

Martin Luther King, Jr

My first official event as Miss Black Iowa was in partnership with the Iowa Commission on the Status of African Americans. I had the opportunity to assist the commission in honoring the recipients of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Achievement Award. This event was a special one in that we were honoring those who are continuing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. right here in Des Moines.