Join the Rev. Rich Hendricks and other guest speakers for the weekly online service from MCCQC, Iowa's only church that is part of the LGBTQ-identified Metropolitan Community Church worldwide denomination.
The Rev. Jay Wolin and others lead weekly online services for UUCQC, part of the Unitarian Universalist denomination that includes Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, atheist and agnostic, believers in God, and more. The UU has been on the forefront of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer inclusion for more than 40 years.
Black Lives Matter at School is separate from the national organization and focuses on helping teachers, students and staff honor the importance of Black lives in a school environment. Learn about the 13 principles here, and the week of activities planned for any school that participates.
Join Rep. Ras Smith (D - Waterloo), Ranking Member House Education Committee, and Melissa Peterson, Government Relations Specialist with the Iowa State Education Association, for a discussion about this year's attacks on public education and how you can join the effort to advocate on behalf of public schools, staff and educators. Moral Mondays is a coalition of 25 progressive Iowa organizations that supports "the moral good sought through policies that span a range of progressive issues and works for the advancement of Iowa values like equality, fairness, and justice." Pre-register…
Join Katheryn of Crystal ClearVision for this weekly meditation. You can join online, or participate in person with pre-registration (space limited). Call 319-629-0611 with questions or to reserve your in-person space.
Buxton, Iowa, was an early 20th century town "where African Americans were welcomed with little racism and discrimination." Enjoy this presentation about this town once considered a utopian haven for Iowa's Black residents. Link to the Zoom presentation here.
How do we stay committed to work for justice and equity over the long haul while taking care of ourselves and renewing our energy in the new year? Dr. Joi Lewis, a Minneapolis-based facilitator for issues surrounding justice and healing from trauma, holds the last of three sessions to explore “holding grief for our collective trauma in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and through COVID.” This session focuses on a plan of action. Pre-register here.
The West Branch Friends Church and other peace activists gather every Tuesday evening online to network in support of racial justice. To participate, contact Jonny Stax at jstax@jonnystax.com or humansforracialjustice@googlegroups.com. Access the gathering here.
Talk about mental health in our Black communities and in youth, older adults, LGBTQ+ communities, folkds with disabilities and more. Led by Uniting Pride of Champaign Counth, HITNHOMEBOY, C_UPHD and other advocates. Email darya@unitingpride.org with questions.
Kids of all ages are welcome for this fun story time with story teller Mama Edie Armstrong. "Let Mama Edie take you on a journey to Ghana, the Caribbean and Cuba through stories and songs. Bring your maracas, shakers and drums and get ready to dance!"
Use Beadology’s creation lab, and work with its experienced staff, at no charge. You can knit, crochet, scrapbook, quilt, read tarot cards, or anything else at no charge. Facilities available for rent: flame studio for soft and hard glass, and a basic metals studio. Contact Beadology at 319-338-1566 or info@beadologyiowa.com to inquire.
Caleb Rainey brings his poetry to his alma mater, the University of Iowa, and to his former fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, in this online performance.
Just in time for Valentine's Day, create your own wire heart pendant using three stands of copper wire You'll also learn to create a bail, and to approach different shapes with your wire!
Learn to make an elegant helix necklace using Toho beads and different forms of beading stitches. Socially distanced class; limited capacity!
Face coverings required! if you'd like to register as a participating business, click here.
Join Tristan Katz (they/them), digital strategist and business/marketing coachi, to "explore awareness around LGBTQ (and especially trans) identity and language as a vital component for creating safer spaces, why our individual and collective healing is tied to breaking down cis-hetero norms, and how yoga teachers, space-holders, and care-givers can practice inclusivity and allyship with the LGBTQ community." Pre-register here.
Join certified angel channel Krista Carter for intuitive readings.
Drive-through event to honor Black History Month. Pre-register to receive an activity/resource book and a list of local black-owned businesses to visit all month long. Additionally, everyone receives an individually wrapped cake pop from Eat Moore Cakes (Lockport) & information for a Zoom movie watch party 6 p.m. Feb. 26. Register here.
Join Key City Pride for the 3rd Annual Black History Month Drag Showcase. Check the website for all kinds of special features, including a red carpet and VIP seating. Masks will be required, and temperature checks will also be performed upon all attendees. Let's be safe!
Performers for this special evening include Myla Jade, Mindy Belle, and Trigga Sanchez. Masks and social distancing required!
Join the Rev. Rich Hendricks and other guest speakers for the weekly online service from MCCQC, Iowa’s only church that is part of the LGBTQ-identified Metropolitan Community Church worldwide denomination.
Learn or expand your knowledge of beaded kumihimo. Class admission includes these etremely specialized tools.
Join the Action Network for a week of events to build a better food and farm system. This year's factory farm moratorium bill will be the main topic. Pre-register here. IowaI
Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey, an author and poet based in Iowa City, will speak about his work, self-publishing, poetry and spoken word in this special appearance.
Join Katheryn of Crystal ClearVision for this weekly meditation. You can join online, or participate in person with pre-registration (space limited). Call 319-629-0611 with questions or to reserve your in-person space.
Professor Patrick T. Smith of Duke University and Mildred Solomon, president of The Hastings Center, explore how MLK's insights could hep address the inequities apparent today in health care. "How can values like dignity, solidarity, community (or what King termed the 'beloved community') be useful today? What can we do to acknowledge King’s notion of an 'inescapable network of mutuality?' "
Chef Brian Jupiter of Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods and Frontier Chicago is the special guest for this Celebration of Black History Month by Mariano's.
The West Branch Friends Church and other peace activists gather every Tuesday evening online to network in support of racial justice. To participate, contact Jonny Stax at jstax@jonnystax.com or humansforracialjustice@googlegroups.com. Access the gathering here.
Author Ibram X. Kendi and historian Keisha N. Blain gathered 90 writers to address 400 years of African Americans since 1619. The two will be joined by authors Robert Jones, Jr., Bernice L. McFadden, and Dr. Blair L.M. Kelley for readings from the collection and a discussion.
Learn strategies, tools and resources to support civil liberties during the pandemic. Pre-register here.
Use Beadology’s creation lab, and work with its experienced staff, at no charge. You can knit, crochet, scrapbook, quilt, read tarot cards, or anything else at no charge. Facilities available for rent: flame studio for soft and hard glass, and a basic metals studio. Contact Beadology at 319-338-1566 or info@beadologyiowa.com to inquire.
This event attempts to counter the decentering of national discourse about police brutality away from the lives of "Black women and girls, disabled sisters, trans and GNC communities, sisters across the border, and women that exist along all other axes of oppression." Join this discussion of how to "make space for a future where all BIWOC, Latinx, TGNC communities are liberated from persistent police violence, domination, and discrimination – whether it is on the streets or in our own homes."
Learn what you can do to support low-wage workers and immigrants during the time of social distancing. The Center for Worker Justice is currently working on affordable,safe housing campaigns, immigration response, and more. Pre-register here.
Join Hiawatha Collins, mobilization coordinator, and Nathalia Gibbs, LGBTQ+ coordinator, to review basic information about transmission, prevention, testing, and treatment for both HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Learn how to use Harm Reduction methods to engage with people who use drugs and better understand their experience. This event is intended for health and human services workers.
Louis Henry Ford officiated at the funeral of 15-year-old Emmett Till in 1955, and eventually rose to become presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ, the largest Pentecostal denomination in the United States. He died in 1995. The Ford family lived in the Clarke House for decades and cared for it with love. He sold it to the city of Chicago before his death, to ensure the house was preserved. This event will "explore Ford’s life, his impact on Chicago’s black community, and how he dedicated himself to…
Join Katheryn of CrystalClearVision for this virtual gathering. Be sure to sign on slightly before the meditation begins at 7 p.m. "We will wait and set our new moon intentions when the moon comes out of its Void of Course," Kathryn writes.
Performers for this irreverent show include Candie Diamond, Dementia Jaide, Tyona Diamond, Kitty B, Vana B and Myling Belle.
Learn about the issues facing veterans who live in Iowa's rural areas. Join Harry Rossander, director of the Montgomery County Commission of Veterans Affairs; Laura L. Hubka, who served 10 years as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and is a liaison for Veterans in the the first congressional district; and Ross Wilburn, a state legislator and chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, and a veteran of the National Guard.
Explore stories of African-Americans and their achievements, in this monthly story time.
Create beautiful hanging points for use in metaphysical practices, or for decor. You'll learn about stringing, crimping, wrapped loops, and wire bails.
Order a Valentine's Day meal from Shakespeare's, available from 5 to 9 p.m. Order ahead because of limited quantity! Meal includes ribeye (lobster tail for $8 extra), side salad, baked potato, grilled vegetables and dessert. Call 319-337-7275 to reserve!
Join the Rev. Rich Hendricks and other guest speakers for the weekly online service from MCCQC, Iowa’s only church that is part of the LGBTQ-identified Metropolitan Community Church worldwide denomination.
Lancaster Farm Sanctuary of Pennsylvania coordiantes this virtual tour of 10 farm sanctuaries throughout the country. You can also win prizes throughout the day. In addition, all donations during this event will be matched up to $1,000 by Farm Sanctuary. Complete households can view for just one ticket. Donation links to each sanctuary will be provided during the event. Purchase your ticket here.
The Rev. Jay Wolin and others lead weekly online services for UUCQC, part of the Unitarian Universalist denomination that includes Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, atheist and agnostic, believers in God, and more. The UU has been on the forefront of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer inclusion for more than 40 years.
No Justice No Peace Political Action Committee hosts Louis Carr, of BET to discuss "building wealth/power in the Black community, the role of media, and bringing the country together to confront systemic inequality and systemic racism."
Rep. Liz Bennett (Cedar Rapids) Keenan Crow, Director of Policy and Advocacy, One Iowa Damian Thompson, Director of Public Policy & Communications, Iowa Safe Schools This year, legislation targeting LGBTQ people is vast. Join this panel discussion of these alarming bills featuring Rep. Liz Bennett (D-Cedar Rapids), One Iowa Director of Policy and Advocacy Keenan Crow, and Iowa Safe Schools Director of Public Policy & Communications Damian Thompson. Register here to attend.
Join this monthly discussion of a different book each month! ”Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl" by Andrea Lawlor is about a shape-shifting bartender. "Andrea Lawlor’s debut novel offers a speculative history of early 90s identity politics during the heyday of ACT UP and Queer Nation."
Join Katheryn of Crystal ClearVision for this weekly meditation. You can join online, or participate in person with pre-registration (space limited). Call 319-629-0611 with questions or to reserve your in-person space.
The West Branch Friends Church and other peace activists gather every Tuesday evening online to network in support of racial justice. To participate, contact Jonny Stax at jstax@jonnystax.com or humansforracialjustice@googlegroups.com. Access the gathering here.
One Iowa hosts its annual LGBTQ Day on the Hill, virtually. Pre-register to partake of informational sessions, talks from lawmakers, and chances to reach legislators. Pre-register here.
Join the Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum as we team up to share Enjoy exhibits and items from the African American History Museum, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, that highlight the stories and achievements of African Americans in Illinois. This program is intended for youth from grade school through high school. Preregister at PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov.
Geared toward area businesses and organizations, this event is a chance to learn how to be "positive role models, powerful decision-makers, leaders and effective agents of change " in ensuring workplaces are welcoming of diversity and free of bias, microagressions and oppression.. This event os coordinated by Iowa City's Office of Equity and Human Rights. Space limited! Register here.
Use Beadology’s creation lab, and work with its experienced staff, at no charge. You can knit, crochet, scrapbook, quilt, read tarot cards, or anything else at no charge. Facilities available for rent: flame studio for soft and hard glass, and a basic metals studio. Contact Beadology at 319-338-1566 or info@beadologyiowa.com to inquire.
Learn about techniques and history of braiding!Carbon
Dr. Luca Morel, Jr., of Washington and Lee University leads an examination of Abraham Lincoln’s statesmanship against the backdrop of racial discrimination against black Americans. Masks and social distancing required if you attend in person; pre-register by calling 712-323-7553, ext. 2.
Join this fun chance to raise money for Iowa Safe Schools. Click here for directions and links to sign up!
This multimedia exhibition celebrates Nelson Mandela's contribution to the cause of freedom and includes a replica of the eight-foot by seven-foot cell "where he spent 18 of his 27 years in jail, before emerging at age 71 to continue negotiating democratic change with his former enemies." Exhibit continues through Sept. 12.
Learn techniques for overcoming some of the challenges of tracing Black and Indigenous family histories, with the guidance of genealogist, private investigator and researcher Ricki King. Pre-register here.
Create clover earrings to honor the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday, by learning the "herringbone" technique using Toho round see beads! Limited capacity; safe, masked, and socially-distanced!
Listen to high school writers from the Iowa City area share their original compositions online.
Join a gathering of drag performers both local and fro out=of-town.
Non-denominational and welcoming of all faiths including all traditional beliefs and pagan, atheist and agnostic beliefs, the UUCQC holds a weekly themed service. Check the UUCQC Facebook page for each week's new link!
Join Pastor Rich D. Hendricks in the weekly online service by MCC of the Quad Cities, an LGBTQ-identified denomination.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr., traces the 400-year-old story of the Black church in America
Join Katheryn of Crystal ClearVision for this weekly meditation. You can join online, or participate in person with pre-registration (space limited). Call 319-629-0611 with questions or to reserve your in-person space.
Humans for Racial Justice gathers either online or in person Tuesday evenings, in collaboration with the West Branch Friends Church. Click here to participate, or connect with the group at humans-for-racial-justice@googlegroups.com.
Join Moderator Vince Williams, president/CEO of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, and panelists to honor Illinois' leading LGBTQ+ businesses.
Join this effort "to build awareness and understanding around equity within the areas of education, financial stability, and health. Pre-register here. Cedar
For junior high and high school students seeking to do homework, participate in fun activities, or seek resources. Registration at the door required, along with masks. Click here for more information.
Weekly fun, education, games, food and networking for youth. Registration preferred but not required.
Cong. James Clyburn will be the keynote speaker among many distinguished speakers at this new event, hosted by the new U.S. Black Chambers, founded in October 2020 to help Black-owned businesses increase access to capital. Follow the link for registration information.
This is for those seeking a relationship, or just a friendship! You can also register for a free gift. Check out the event page on how this event will occur. Expect ice-breaker questions, time limits, and random conversation groups. Pre-register here.
Want to share your creativity, expression or flair? Join the Saddle Open Stage.
Join us with Miranda Rectenwald of Mapping LGBTQ St. Louis for a presentation on African-American history in the St. Louis LGBTQ community from 1945 until 1992. A Black History Month event. Pre-register here.
Learn about LGBTQ+ resources for you as an "inclusive Illinois business owner" outside of Chicago. The Chamber will share information about scholarships, business certifications, SBA resources, and more.
Use Beadology’s creation lab, and work with its experienced staff, at no charge. You can knit, crochet, scrapbook, quilt, read tarot cards, or anything else at no charge. Facilities available for rent: flame studio for soft and hard glass, and a basic metals studio. Contact Beadology at 319-338-1566 or info@beadologyiowa.com to inquire.
Learn common Underground Railroad codes and how to use the stars go guide your travel. Intended for you ages 8 to 14, but families are welcome for this Black History Month event Pre-register here.s as you learn about those that made a daring and dangerous escape from slavery. Presented by the African American Museum of Iowa.
Theater artists Marcella Murray and David Neumann and collaborator Tei Blow "continue their years-long discussion about race ..... waving imagery, short bursts of dance, and the act of being in dialogue itself to reveal the effort needed for two people to actually be in the same place at the same time." This Black History Month performance kicks off the Museum of Contemporary Art's annual Dialogue Series, which "explores the power of dialogue and dissent to bring us together in a fractured world."
Join a panel of five women, plus music by Alexis Estes, as they share their stories of perseverance in this Black History Month event. Pre-registration required.
Learn about the best practices for letter writing and getting your letter published. Pre-register here.
This annual concert by the Chicago Children's Choir is "a dynamic virtual educational program and performance exploring music’s role for Black Americans in maintaining a sense of community in the United States."
Catt Center provides this training and preparation for women to run for public office, along with the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. Register here.
Join Dr. Del Castillo, Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, to talk about racism in medicine. A Black History Month event. Pre-registration required.
Jon the Multicultural Family Center for a socially-distanced night at the movies to see "Selma." A Black History Month event.
The 1619 Project is an ongoing initiative from The New York Times Magazine that began in August 2019, the 400th anniversary of the beginning of American slavery, and seeks to tell the truth about slavery. This Black History Month event features Linn County Supervisor Stacey Walker, Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague, and Linn County Sustainability Manager Tamara Marcus. Masks and social distancing required. Pre-register here.
Cozy group seating, socially distanced, will be followed for this special show featuring spoken word artist and author Caleb "The Negro Artist" Rainey and Kevin Burt, a longtime blues hero of the Midwest. A Black History Month event.
Join Krista for this weekly all-seated session featuring deep stretches and poses held from two to four minutes. "Leave feeling like you've had a massage! "Bring your own mat, and wear a mask!
Participate in socially distanced, mask-required bowling to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Choose from six slots. You can also participate virtually, using a bowling app that offers chances at prizes. You can also take a "rain check." Or, you can sign up for a trivia contest. Register here with your donation.
Create three pairs of earrings while practicing wire-working skills! You will use a chandelier armature to make dangly earrings. Private tutorials also available.
Partake of readings with Wild Indigo Coyote's three readers, in an exercise focused on "influencing your present" and empowering yourself for hte future.
Michelle Royal of Quad Cities Pride Festivals emcees this "masks required" socially-distanced dance challenge raising money for businesses affected by COVID-19. Coordinated by Ballroom By Nick, featuring COVID mask contest, silent auction, and more. Participate in person or virtually; vote for your contestant of choice. Tickets here.
Want to share your creativity, expression or flair? Join the Saddle Open Stage.
Welcome KiKi Uchawi, guest performer and comedian from Kansas City. Face coverings required when in the bar.
"The Trans Youth and Family Summit is an opportunity for trans and gender expansive youth and their family members to learn, connect, and hear from speakers on a variety of topics including transition-related health care, advocacy, mental health, and more!" Register no later than Feb. 25; space limited!
Non-denominational and welcoming of all faiths including all traditional beliefs and pagan, atheist and agnostic beliefs, the UUCQC holds a weekly themed service. Check the UUCQC Facebook page for each week's new link!
Join Pastor Rich D. Hendricks in the weekly online service by MCC of the Quad Cities, an LGBTQ-identified denomination.
Cozy group seating, socially distanced, will be followed for this special show featuring spoken word artist and author Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey and Kevin Burt, a longtime blues hero of the Midwest. A Black History Month event.
A Black History Month Fireside Chat: A conversation about Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray struggled with rejection as a "light-skinned gay woman" of color living in the south at the end of the 19th century. Learn about her battle against Jim Crow and Jane Crow laws. in this "fireside chat."
Join volunteers from the Iowa City Bike Library, dressed in drag and "costume," for a parade and gathering in honor of the shop's move to 222 S. Gilbert Court. Day features juggling, beer and baklava.
Join Katheryn of Crystal ClearVision for this weekly meditation. You can join online, or participate in person with pre-registration (space limited). Call 319-629-0611 with questions or to reserve your in-person space.