Volunteer Spotlight

Nancy Humbles

Meet our new board president, Nancy Humbles! Mrs. Humbles has served on the board since 2018. She is retired from the University of Iowa, where she served as Director of the Center for Diversity and Enrichment. In addition to serving on the AAMI board, she is the President of the Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education and Chair for Women in the NAACP (WIN).

“As a child growing up in the 60s, I was led to believe that African Americans were not of great importance in the building of this nation. No one in the schools I attended ever talked about the great things African Americans had contributed. I only knew that we were slaves. Having an African American Museum in Iowa allows the community and state to have a clearer understanding of our greatness as people and the many accomplishments we have made. This is something that our children need to know. We were not just slaves, but come from Kings and Queens. We have a history that when shared with others enriches their lives. The exhibits and programming offered at the Museum have been very powerful and eye opening. The Museum is able to inform the community/state of the struggles and successes we have made as a people. At times, we have been faced with struggles beyond anyone’s belief and people need to know.

As board President and long time educator, I decided to join the board with the hopes of being involved in educating our community/state so everyone has a better understanding of Iowa’s African American rich history.”

NEW BOARD MEMEMBERS ELECTED

Four new individuals have joined our board of directors! Board members typically serve up to two three-year terms. A director elected to fill a vacancy may complete the previous director’s term and two full terms of their own.

Board members are elected to serve a three-year term from 2020 – 2022, which can be followed by another three year term upon reelection.

Abena Sankofa Imhotep (Des Moines) is Executive Director, Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group.

Peg Fraser (North Liberty) is a Career Insurance and Financial Agent at Country Financial.

Dr. Reginald Stewart (Ames) is Iowa State University’s inaugural Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion.

Reginald Ward (Cedar Rapids) is General Manager at XPO Logistics.