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Public Transit is a Civil Rights issue—We Must Speak Up
At the Des Moines NAACP, we are committed to ensuring every citizen in our region can truly thrive— not just survive. That’s why this...

Victoria Henderson Weber
Mar 31, 20252 min read


A Weekend of Black Excellence: Honoring Our Community and Our Legacy
This past weekend, Des Moines was a powerful display of what it means to lead, serve, and thrive as a community. The NAACP Des Moines...

Victoria Henderson Weber
Mar 25, 20252 min read


BLACK CONSUMER ADVISORY
NAACP BLACK CONSUMER ADVISORY Corporate and Institutional Rollbacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commitments Harm Black...

Victoria Henderson Weber
Feb 15, 20252 min read


Honoring Greg Perry and Dennis Moore: Champions of Change and Equality
As we celebrate the legacy of the Federal Court Consent Decree, we must recognize two key individuals whose courage and dedication made it possible: Greg Perry and Dennis Moore. Their work was instrumental in paving the way for racial equity within the Des Moines Fire Department (DMFD) and setting a foundation of accountability and inclusion for generations to come. Greg and Dennis first brought their charges of discrimination in the 1980 DMFD firefighter selection process to

Victoria Henderson Weber
Dec 13, 20242 min read


Honoring Terrall Dwane Knox: A Pioneer of Brotherhood and Service
Today, we remember and honor Terrall "Terry" Dwane Knox, a trailblazer whose legacy reflects courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service. Born in1946, Terry dedicated his life to protecting and serving others. On May 25, 1970, he joined the Des Moines Fire Department, where he worked at Engine 4, 2nd Division, Station 4 (then called Station 15). His career in Des Moines spanned seven years, ending on September 24, 1977. During his time with the department, he

Victoria Henderson Weber
Dec 10, 20242 min read


Honoring Walt Williams, Sr.: A Legacy of Determination and Service
We honor Walt Williams, Sr., a man whose perseverance and dedication paved the way for inclusion within the Des Moines Fire Department. Born in 1940 to Bamie and Felix A. Williams, Sr., Walt grew up in Des Moines, where he graduated from East High School. Following his graduation, Walt served his country as a radar operator in the U.S. military. His service reflected the commitment that would later define him. In the mid-1960s, Walt Williams and Milford Fonza courageously app

Victoria Henderson Weber
Dec 10, 20242 min read


Honoring Milford Fonza: A Pioneer and a Legacy
We honor Milford Fonza, a trailblazer whose dedication to public service and perseverance in the face of adversity left an indelible mark on our community and beyond. Born in 1943 to Hallie and Blossom Fonza, Milford grew up in a close-knit, talented family. A graduate of East High School in 1962, he served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, from May 1962 to May 1965, as a skilled Radar Operator. But his ultimate dream—sparked at the young age of 12 after wi

Victoria Henderson Weber
Dec 10, 20242 min read


NAACP Des Moines Branch Announces 2024 Freedom Fund Award Honorees
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Victoria Henderson Weber Email: prez@naacpdesmoines.org NAACP Des Moines Branch Announces 2024 Freedom Fund Award Honorees Des Moines, IA — 12/10/2024 – The NAACP Des Moines Branch is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious 2024 Freedom Fund Awards. These individuals and organizations have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to uplifting the community and advancing civil rights. The awards wil

Victoria Henderson Weber
Dec 10, 20243 min read


National Day of Silence
Freedom Fighters, The NAACP Des Moines Branch would like to highlight the National Day of Silence. This event sheds light on the...

Victoria Henderson Weber
Apr 11, 20231 min read


Severe Weather Awareness Week
Des Moines Branch Members, As part of our Environmental Justice Branch Initiative, In the Eye of the Storm, our project team will bring...

Victoria Henderson Weber
Mar 27, 20231 min read


Ramadan Mubarak & If it wasn't for the Women...
Greetings! Today we wish our Muslim brothers and sisters Ramadan Mubarak, or Blessed Ramadan. For those of you who are not familiar,...

Victoria Henderson Weber
Mar 22, 20232 min read


Black Entrepreneur's Day
Learn more about the NAACP Powership Entrepreneur Grant HERE.

Victoria Henderson Weber
Oct 8, 20211 min read
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