October 13, 2020
COALITION CALLS FOR BLACK STATE OF EMERGENCY IN IOWA
Throughout the history of this state and country, the oftentimes overwhelming celebrations of democracy, governance and civil liberties that many Americans and most lowans- enjoy have come at the expense of the Black humanity, whose relationship to this nation was forged not in liberty but in bondage.
lowa's failure to recognize this history has led to the neglect of Black lowan communities which today suffer from staggering disparities in victimhood, disease, education, housing, poverty, state sanctioned-violence and other forms of authorized force. I
n September, the body of Michael Williams was found burning in a ditch in Jasper County, lowa. Rather than investigate this murder as a hate crime, the Grinnell Police Department declared that race had nothing to do with the incident. The lowa-Nebraska chapter of the NAACP echoed this statement, to our disappointment. It is so wrong that in 2020, a Black man was lynched and law enforcement refused to investigate it as such.
In response, a coalition of community organizations in Central and Eastern lowa have taken the responsibility of caring for, supporting and protecting Black communities in lowa and the Black lives that inhabit them. Representatives from Central IA Center for Independent Living, Central lowa DSA, Des Moines BLM, Des Moines Mutual Aid, Iowa Coalition for Collective Change, lowa Freedom Riders, lowa Queer Communities of Color Coalition, Mothers Against Violence, Shop Black Des Moines, Union of Black America and other community stakeholders have discussed an adequate response to the stated conditions which Black lowans are forced to endure.
This coalition finds it necessary to recognize the following: The assaults, disappearances, lynching and subsequent coverups of Black lowans are all alarming, if not traumatizing for the Black community. Attacks and actions against Darquan Jones, Stephanie Hinton, Breasia Terrell, Makeda Scott, Abdullahi 'Abdi' Sharif and Michael Williams all happened in 2020. This pandemic of racial violence against the Black community is made worse by law enforcement agencies that are ill-equipped to ensure our safety.
Black people in lowa make up 4% of the total population, but 31% of the victims of gun violence. Right now only 3% of lowa's resources earmarked for victim services are targeted at Black communities. We believe that both public and private resources should be focused on victim services targeted in Black communities.
Black communities have been systematically exposed to the spread of COVID-19, and as a result have suffered from disproportionate rates of infection and death. In the wake of COVID-19, Black lowans have experienced far higher rates of joblessness and eviction than their non-Black peers.
Black communities were disproportionately affected by the Derecho storm, not only in exposure to damage, but in the stark difference in relief efforts between Black communities and other communities in lowa. We want to specifically highlight the African refugee community in Cedar Rapids, whose housing was completely destroyed and who were abandoned by their state government without power, running water, food or shelter for days on end.
As Black lowans and their allies have come together in solidarity, collective action and protest, the response from local and state governments has been one characterized by aggression and violence. In seeking safety, Black lowans have had to put their bodies on the line against law enforcement officers who have been armed for battle.
These issues together represent an existential threat to the future of our communities. It is for these reasons that we have come together to declare a state of emergency for Black lowans.
#BlackEmergencyIA
Our coalition has gathered a handful of action steps that will allow us to address these issues in an immediate and hands on manner.
First, it is important to recognize lowa as a sundown state, meaning it is not safe for Black residents to travel alone, especially at night. We recommend the following to Black lowans:
Black lowans should do their best to travel in parties of two or more
Always tell somebody where you are going and when you plan to return
Be prepared to escape, hide or defend yourself in a worst-case scenario
Second, we urge Black residents to know their rights. Know your rights at home, in the car, when filming the police and when carrying a registered firearm. You have the right to remain silent. Ask if you are under arrest; ask if you are free to go. DO NOT RESIST ARREST. If you plan to carry a registered firearm, seek out proper weapons training and education.
Third, we urge Black residents to get involved with their community. Register to vote. Join and support Black organizations. Shop at Black-owned businesses. We urge all lowans to start mutual aid projects and support direct actions which defend the livelihoods of Black people.
It has become evident that a declaration of emergency is necessary in order to recognize the issues that Black lowans face and insist that state and local governments, NGOs and community members alike do their part in making lowa safe for its Black residents. This coalition will continue to organize around these action steps and urge all community and government organizations alike to come to the table and address this state of emergency.
For updates and more information, follow #BlackEmergencylA on social media.
Black Lives Matter. Black Safety Matters.
Signed,
Central IA Center for Independent Living
Central lowa DSA
Des Moines BLM
Des Moines Mutual Aid
Iowa Coalition for Collective Change
lowa Freedom Riders
lowa Queer Communities of Color Coalition
Mothers Against Violence
Shop Black Des Moines
Union of Black America