Here's where you'll be able to find the Black Iowa Newspaper

You heard it here first. Delivery of the Black Iowa Newspaper is scheduled to begin the week of June 12. Here's where you can grab a free copy.

I began thinking about developing a newspaper last fall after I began Zoom meetings with a group of Black newspaper publishers from around the country. It seems odd, I know, given industry declines and the fact I began publishing on a digital platform in 2020. But every week, I’d listen to the accomplished publishers discuss the stories they were working on, their goals and needs and the history of the Black Press.

Certainly, I’d grown up reading the Iowa Bystander in my formative years.

Then, I had the opportunity to work on a Voter Guide Project with the American Press Institute. During midterms, I developed and mailed an 8-page voter guide to more than 8,000 primarily Black households in Des Moines.

And, being a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative put me in proximity to storied Iowa newspaper publishers.

The signs were everywhere: I’m being led to use every talent, gift and skill God gave me, and my family and community nurtured within me — to make this quarterly newspaper happen for Black Iowans. And, the timing couldn’t be more apropos when you factor in our current political climate and the conditions of Black people in this state and country.

Thankfully, advertisers and supporters came forward, and I worked harder than ever before. Now, the 24-page Black Iowa Newspaper, which is free, is set to launch in the coming weeks, and I will deliver the newspaper to a dozen or more cities around the state . 🙌🏾📰 I am beyond excited — and thankful to everyone who assisted.

Here are distribution locations for the Black Iowa Newspaper:

Cedar Rapids

African American Museum of Iowa

Creston

Hot Air Brewing

Des Moines

A List Studios

Paparazzi Hair Studio

Clippernomics

Platinum Signature Barbershop

Platinum South

Platinum Kutz

Tru All American Barbershop

Avenue B

Des Moines Catholic Worker House

Love Vegas Lingerie

Ladie Lex Scented Candles Candles

Mainframe Studios: Sankofa Literacy and Empowerment Group Jill Wells Art

Mindful Mental Health Counseling

Indianola

Simpson College

Mount Vernon

Pending

Ottumwa

Pending

Waterloo

Pending

West Burlington

Beurico Beauty Supply & Boutique

West Des Moines

Pots & Shots

West Des Moines Community Center

If you have a business, organization or nonprofit and would like to become a distribution site for the Black Iowa Newspaper, please email me at dana@blackiowanews.com.

If you would like a mailed copy, email dana@blackiowanews.com for subscription information.