In the most recent survey data that we can find from the Federal Reserve, the median income of a white family has a net worth 10 times more than that of a Black family. We can do our part to help change this disparity. And, according to 2019 U.S. Census Bureau data, West Des Moines population estimates are 67,899 of which 4.6% are Black or African American.
We would like to highlight our area’s diverse community and businesses and encourage everyone to support and become an ally. Resources and ways to get involved are noted below. If you have information you would like to add, please contact us. We will keep a running list and include it here as a reference. A special thank you to Angela Jackson, treasurer for the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce and owner of The Great Frame Up for helping us compile this information.
Resources For Black Business Owners And Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs face a variety of obstacles when starting a new venture, from obtaining financing, hiring a team, marketing their product or service, keeping up with competitors, and so much more. For some Black entrepreneurs and business owners, these challenges can be even harder to overcome. Thank you to Bankers Trust for compiling this guide.
We Heart Diverse WDM/Iowa
The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, led by Angela Jackson, is proud to present an opportunity to wear your support of a diverse region with pride.
United Way’s 21-Day Equity Challenge
The 21-Day Equity Challenge is a powerful opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how inequity and racism affect our lives and our community.
Black and African Owned Businesses in West Des Moines & Des Moines
View a list of Black and African owned businesses in West Des Moines.
The 2019 Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide
View the 2019 Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide.
Black Mental Health Matters
The intention of this guide, provided by Instagram, is to spread awareness about the importance of Black mental health and to share some useful resources and mental health services available to the Black community.
Mental Health Resources for the Black Community
In honor of Juneteenth, Instagram created a comprehensive guide on mental health resources and tips for the Black community.
Business Survival Toolkit Series: Special Edition Installment on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
On June 23, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce hosted a special edition event in our Business Survival Toolkit Series: Diversity, Inclusion & Equity: What can companies do to help support diversity, inclusion & equity in the workplace and how can companies be an ally in the Black Lives Matter movement.
Greater Des Moines Partnership Resources
View this list of resources provided by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Resources Provided by Teree Caldwell-Johnson
A list of resources on being an ally and the BLM Movement provided by Teree Caldwell-Johnson.
Free Resources
A list of free movies, shorts and best practices provided by Angela Jackson.
C-Suite Conversations
Important conversations for C-Suite Executives regarding diversity in their organizations and other resources provided by Angela Jackson.
One Economy Slideshow
View this eye opening slideshow presented by Teree Caldwell-Johnson and Deidre DeJear during the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity event.
African Americans in Iowa
Here you can learn more about African Americans in Iowa.
The 2018 Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide
View the Greater Iowa African American Resource Guide.
Greater Des Moines Partnership Inclusion Resources
There are many resources you can tap into from the Greater Des Moines Partnership including dsm Magazine’s Inclusion Magazine.
Iowa Coalition for Collective Change
Learn about the newly formed Iowa Coalition for Collective Change based in West Des Moines.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Facilitators/Consultants
A list of equity, diversity and inclusion facilitators/consultants.
WDM Community School’s Deep Equity Framework
Next year, the WDMCS will begin systemic change to ensure equity for all students through the Deep Equity program.
West Des Moines Human Rights Commission
Be part of the West Des Moines Human Rights Commission.