Iowa Civil Rights History

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George Roddy the first known black golfer in the state of Iowa.

Born in 1908 in Keokuk, Iowa. Roddy famously walked from Keokuk to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa because his family couldn't afford bus fare.

He became the first Black golfer on the Iowa Hawkeyes team and was a team captain in 1930 and 1931.

He graduated in 1931 with an engineering degree. 

He became an educator and coach, Taught and coached golf at Arkansas State College (1931–1933) and North Carolina A&T (until 1948). 

Later he settled in Indianapolis, where he launched the golf program at Crispus Attucks High School. Continued competing, winning the Indianapolis city golf championship twice—once at age 57 in 1967.

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Host: Erick Nganyange 
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Thomas and Susannah Western were born into slavery in Virginia. Upon getting their freedom, they decided to head west in search of a better life.

In 1864 Thomas and Susannah Western bought their first 80 acres of Farm in Iowa and later bought another 80 acres.

My conversation with Todd Western III about his family history.

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Host: Erick Nganyange 
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Part 2 of the conversation on Carrie Chapman Catt
 
Catt was born on January 9, 1859, in Ripon, Wisconsin, the second of three children of Lucius and Maria (Clinton) Lane. In 1866, at the close of the Civil War, the family moved to a farm near Charles City, Iowa.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Karen Kedrowski, the director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, to discuss Catt's life and her significant contributions to the women's movement.

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For any questions, suggestions, recommendations, or corrections on any historical facts; please contact 
Host: Erick Nganyange 
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Catt was born on January 9, 1859, in Ripon, Wisconsin, the second of three children of Lucius and Maria (Clinton) Lane. In 1866, at the close of the Civil War, the family moved to a farm near Charles City, Iowa.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Karen Kedrowski, the director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, to discuss Catt's life and her significant contributions to the women's movement.

Thank you for listening.
For any questions, suggestions, recommendations, or corrections on any historical facts; please contact 
Host: Erick Nganyange 
Email:  [email protected]
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Conversation with the founder and publisher of Black Iowa News Dana James on her life as a journalist, state of the media, black media and life in general

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For any questions, suggestions, recommendations, or corrections on any historical facts; please contact 
Host: Erick Nganyange 
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The Sioux City Ghosts were an all-black fast-pitch softball team in Sioux City, Iowa. Their exceptional skills and unique style of playing created a legacy that very few can match. It all started in 1925 as a boy’s club. After class, they would gather near the former Hopkins school along West 7th and Panoah Street in Sioux City.

Jim Tillman, Sioux City native and resident, has been studying the Ghosts story for a while and was able to share the story on his first EVER podcast appearance.

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For any questions, suggestions, recommendations, or corrections on any historical facts; please contact 
Host: Erick Nganyange 
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 James B. Morris Sr. was a World War I veteran, lawyer, journalist, civil rights pioneer, leader, and a role model for his generation of African Americans living in Iowa. 

 He was the owner and publisher of the longtime nation’s first black newspaper the Bystander. 

In this episode, I have JB Morris's grandson William Morris talking about his grandfather, his family, and black life in general. 

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For any questions, suggestions, recommendations, or corrections on any historical facts; please contact 
Host: Erick Nganyange 
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On March 8, 1857, a conflict erupted between settlers and Native Americans, and Professor Kevin Mason(Waldorf University) gives us a detailed account of what led to the outbreak of violence.

Professor Mason researched and wrote extensively on this topic. He is an Assistant Professor of History at Waldorf University. He teaches various courses at all undergraduate levels, oversees internship opportunities, and facilitates student research. He currently serves on the Higher Learning Commission Assurance Argument writing team for the university.

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For any questions, suggestions, recommendations, or corrections on any historical facts; please contact 
Host: Erick Nganyange 
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Part 2 of the conversation with history professor, Dr. David Brodnax on black Iowans in the 19th century. 

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For any questions, suggestions, recommendations, or corrections on any historical facts; please contact 
Host: Erick Nganyange 
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Conversation with history professor, Dr. David Brodnax about  black Iowans in the 19th century. 

Thank you for listening.
For any questions, suggestions, recommendations, or corrections on any historical facts; please contact 
Host: Erick Nganyange 
Email:  [email protected]
Follow us on Facebook @ Iowa Civil Rights History Podcast