Iowa Abolitionists

03/27/22 • 49 min

When the issue of slavery became the most contentious issue in the country, the courage to act was put to a test, Iowans had a choice, either to stand on the sideline and watch or to act. Some Iowans chose to act. Abolitionists were people who detested the institution of slavery and wanted to end it immediately.

In this episode; Dave Holmgren a historian from the Iowa Historical Society of Des Moines discusses some of the prominent Iowa abolitionists of the 19th century. He also discusses some members of legislatures who were abolitionists at night and legislature during the day.

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For any questions, suggestions, recommendations, or corrections on any historical facts; please contact Host: Erick Nganyange
Email: [email protected]
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African American Museum of Iowa - (LaNisha Cassell)

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In 1993 James Clark, Johnny Brown, Marvin Steward, Bebe Davis, Thomas Levi Sr, and Thomas Moore from Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids Iowa came up with the idea to start the African - American Museum in the state of Iowa. They wanted to preserve, exhibit and teach black history in the state of Iowa.
Since its inception, the Museum has had 4 executive directors. The current director LaNisha Reese Cassell is number 4 on that list and she is the first and the only woman to hold that position in almost 30yrs of the museum's existence.

In this episode, I had the privilege to talk to LaNisha about the past, present, and future of the museum and the role the museum plays in advancing the civil rights movement.
The African American Museum of Iowa is standing at 55 12th Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

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A Man of a True Conscience - (Henderson Lewelling) - Part 1

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The Henderson Lewelling House also known as Lewelling Quaker Museum (LQM) is located in Salem, Iowa about 20 miles from the Missouri border. Henderson Lewelling was born in a Quaker family in 1809 in North Carolina, later his family moved to Indiana. In 1837 he moved his wife Elizabeth and 4 children to Salem, Iowa.
As an abolitionist, Henderson Lewelling represented the more radical side in his opposition to slavery. Salem Quakers experienced a schism between radical members and the moderates and eventually ejected Henderson Lewelling from the faith.
In 1843, along with other members of the Salem Monthly Meeting, they established the Abolition Friends Monthly Meeting.
In this episode; My guests, David and Cathy Helman at the Lewelling Quaker Museum in Salem, Iowa sat down with Erick Nganyange to discuss the life and the contribution Mr. Lewelling had to the Civil Rights in the state of Iowa.
For more information about Lewelling Quaker Museum, please Check out their website; www.lewelling.org

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