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Home My WebLink AboutThe Lens - January 2025We only use cookies that are necessary for this site to function to provide you with the best experience. The controller of this site may choose to place supplementary cookies to support additional functionality such as support analytics, and has an obligation to disclose these cookies. Learn more in our Cookie Statement. The Lens - January 2025 City of Iowa City sent this bulletin at 01/07/2025 10:00 AM CST Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. January 2025 | The Lens is the City’s newsletter to expand conversations on equity, inclusion, belonging, and access. The Evolution and Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion In her article When Did Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Start, Julie Kratz notes that there is no definitive starting point for the modern DEI movement. Most advocates trace its roots to the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin in employment. This pivotal moment sparked subsequent developments: 1960s: Affirmative action policies were introduced to address the underrepresentation of certain groups, primarily focusing on racial disparities. 1970s: The movement broadened to include gender, influenced by the Feminist Movement, the candidacy of Shirley Chisholm for U.S. President, and the Equal Rights Amendment efforts. Xerox also founded the first Employee Resource Group. 1980s: DEI initiatives expanded to encompass a broader range of identities, recognizing the importance of ethnic, religious, and LGBTQ+ diversity. 1990s: Organizations began hiring dedicated diversity professionals to lead initiatives and tailor them to specific needs, including passing the Americans with Disabilities Act to improve accessibility. 2000s: Diversity training programs emerged to educate employees about cultural differences, unconscious bias, and sensitivity to diversity. 2010s: Companies began aligning their workforce diversity with societal diversity to remain competitive. This decade saw the rise of multicultural marketing, community engagement, and inclusion training, with landmark moments like the #MeToo movement and the legalization of same-sex marriage by the U.S. Supreme Court. 2020s: Social movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #StopAAPIHate renewed emphasis on social justice. DEI became a holistic approach, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, with increased focus on allyship, inclusive leadership, and cultural intelligence. Current State DEI is currently navigating a critical juncture. The backlash against DEI initiatives peaked in 2022-2023, though the focus has now shifted toward quieter, sustained efforts within organizations. The industry is expected to experience significant growth, with the global market projected to reach $24.4 billion by 2030, driven by increasing awareness, regulatory pressures, and the recognition of DEI's business benefits, such as enhanced employee morale and innovation. The Future of DEI Major corporations committed to DEI know the importance of fostering inclusive environments. Even as the language surrounding DEI evolves—potentially shifting to terms like "inclusion," "belonging," or "culture"—the fundamental goal of promoting diversity and inclusion will persist. DEI professionals will continue, adapting to the changing political and social context while maintaining a focus on creating equitable opportunities for all. Read the full article here. Julie Kratz is a champion for inclusion and allyship. As the founder of Next Pivot Point and The Little Allies, she empowers workplaces and future generations to embrace inclusivity. An Indiana University Kelley School of Business professor and author of six books (most recently Allyship in Action), Julie inspires action through education and engagement. She is especially proud of her children’s book The Little Allies as a mother of three girls with diverse identities. Meet Human Rights Commissioner Emily Harkin Emily Harkin was appointed to the Human Rights Commission by the City Council on Nov. 19, 2024. Here are her thoughts on why she wanted to serve as a commissioner. Subscribe to updates from City of Iowa City Email Address e.g. name@example.c Subscribe Share Bulletin 2/20/25, 1:04 PM The Lens - January 2025 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/bulletins/3ca0aa1 1/5 I have always been deeply passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to justice and equity. When I moved to Iowa City for my undergraduate studies, I was able to channel this passion into action through my education at the University of Iowa and my work as an advocate around Iowa City. These experiences, coupled with the knowledge I’ve gained, led me to realize the significant impact I could have as a Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Iowa City. As a result of this realization, I applied to be a Human Rights Commissioner so that I could have the opportunity to drive meaningful, direct change. Now, in this role, I desire to protect and promote the rights of the people in this community by listening to others, and by using my own experiences and knowledge, to work as a Human Rights Commissioner in a way that aligns with the needs and aspirations of Iowa City's residents. The Lens Webinar Series The February Lens Webinar Series will feature author Shirley Moody-Turner. In this talk, Dr. Moody- Turner will discuss her biography-in-progress on trailblazing Black educator Anna Julia Cooper and her recent Washington Post article, “Punished for Leading: How the Black Female Head of a DC School was Punished for Leading,” (free to read by creating a Washington Post account or using an ICPL card). She’ll examine what was at stake in the battles over Black education at the turn of the twentieth century and how the national ascendency of Jim Crow segregation played out in local politics affecting the lives of Black Washingtonians. Most importantly, she’ll explore Anna Julia Cooper’s “Courageous Revolt” against Jim Crow education and show how Cooper was punished for doing the work she was hired to do. This webinar is co-sponsored by the Iowa City Public Library. About Anna Julia Cooper Anna Julia Cooper (1858–1964) was a pioneering Black feminist, educator, intellectual, and activist. Born into slavery in 1858, she became the fourth African American woman to earn a doctoral degree, achieving her PhD in history from the University of Paris-Sorbonne. A key figure in 19th and 20th- century Black women's activism, she authored "A Voice from the South by a Black Woman of the South," a seminal work in Black feminist thought that emphasized the crucial role of Black women in the fight for civil and equal rights. About the author Dr. Shirley Moody-Turner is an award-winning associate professor of English and African American Studies at Penn State. She is the author and editor of several books—most recently the Penguin Portable Anna Julia Cooper, and her work has been featured in the Washington Post, Business Insider, The 19th, and Perspectives on History. She is completing a biography on Anna Julia Cooper under contract with Yale University Press. How to register to watch: Pre-registration is required. Sign up at this link. Questions or accommodations: Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all City of Iowa City–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact the Office of Equity and Human Rights in advance at 319-356-5022 or humanrights@iowa-city.org. 2/20/25, 1:04 PM The Lens - January 2025 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/bulletins/3ca0aa1 2/5 Historical African American Poetry Sessions Honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by learning more about another Civil Rights activist, Medgar Evers. The sessions will use Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers by Frank X Walker as the basis for the classes. No experience with poetry is necessary. About the book From the University of Georgia Press: Around the void left by the murder of Medgar Evers in 1963, the poems in this collection speak, unleashing the strong emotions both before and after the moment of assassination. Poems take on the voices of Evers's widow, Myrlie; his brother, Charles; his assassin, Byron De La Beckwith; and each of De La Beckwith's two wives. Except for the book's title, "Turn me loose," which were his final words, Evers remains in this collection silent. Yet the poems accumulate facets of the love and hate with which others saw this man, unghosting him in a way that only imagination makes possible. How to attend Three sessions will take place from 11 a.m. to noon on Jan. 9, 16, and 23, 2025, at the Iowa City Senior Center, 28 S. Linn St. The sessions will be lead by Carol Tyx, Professor Emeritus at Mt. Mercy University. To learn more visit this link. National Transit Equity Day A celebration of National Transit Equity Day, 70 years in the making! On Jan. 28, 2025, and Feb. 4, join a lively discussion of Inclusive Transportation, a book by transportation planner Veronica O. Davis. Jan. 28 will be a community conversation at Iowa City Public Library, noon - 1 p.m., in Meeting Room A. Feb. 4 is a virtual Q&A discussion facilitated by Climate Action Commissioner Angie Smith with author Veronica O. Davis, 6-7 p.m. Transit Equity Day is observed annually on Feb. 4 to commemorate the life and legacy of Rosa Parks on her birthday. Rosa Parks became a key figure in the Civil Rights era when she refused to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery, Ala., public transit bus and was arrested in 1955. 2/20/25, 1:04 PM The Lens - January 2025 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/bulletins/3ca0aa1 3/5 Watch The Lens Webinar Series Did you miss the most recent Lens Webinar, The Address Book: What Street Addresses Reveal about Identity, Race, Wealth, and Power by Deidre Mask? This insightful webinar explored the street addresses' powerful role in shaping our lives, from identity and race to wealth and power. The webinar can be found here on City Channel 4’s YouTube page. Entire recordings from The Lens Webinar Series can be found at this link. Black History Ball Black History Ball: The Elegance of the Harlem Renaissance In celebration of Black History Month, Iowa City Senior Center’s Original Mature Groovers invite you to an event that won’t be easily forgotten! The night will showcase African Americans' cultural and artistic expression in the mid-1920s and 1930s. This elegant event will include live jazz music by the Curtis Taylor Quintet, art by local African American artists, a fashion show featuring original designs inspired by the era's attire with a modern twist, poetry and literature readings, and food representing traditional African American dishes. Please join us! How to attend Saturday, Feb. 8, 7-11 p.m. Iowa City Senior Center Assembly Room, 28 S. Linn St. Tickets are $60/person and can be purchased here. For more information contact, Iowa City Senior Center Director, LaTasha DeLoach at ldeloach@iowa- city.org. Call for Proposals Are you a student (undergraduate, graduate, or professional) working on a paper, poster, or creative project that intersects with human rights issues? If so, submit a proposal and plan to join peers and colleagues for a day of invigorating discussion at the annual Human Rights Research Conference. The conference will occur on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. Proposals are due Feb. 12, 2025. Notification of acceptance will be sent out by late February 2025. 2/20/25, 1:04 PM The Lens - January 2025 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/bulletins/3ca0aa1 4/5 Accepted projects will be presented at the conference and will receive feedback and commentary from faculty members. Learn more here. Equity Office display at Iowa City Public Library Be sure to check out the Office's display, which is currently on view at the Iowa City Public Library! This fascinating exhibit highlights December holidays worldwide, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the diverse ways different cultures celebrate during this festive season. From Christmas traditions, to Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and more, the display features vibrant decorations, cultural artifacts, and informative descriptions that bring these global celebrations to life. Whether you're looking to learn something new or enjoy the seasonal spirit, the exhibit is a must-see! Questions or accommodations If you have questions or need disability-related accommodations to participate in any of our programs, contact the office at 319-356-5022 or humanrights@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Questions? Contact Us STAY CONNECTED: SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | Help Powered by Privacy Policy | Cookie Statement | Help 2/20/25, 1:04 PM The Lens - January 2025 https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/bulletins/3ca0aa1 5/5