FRIDAY, APRIL 5
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
ST. PAUL'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1340 3rd Ave SE, CEDAR RAPIDS

in-person and virtual options

Mapping Inequality: Redlining in Iowa

Presenter:
Sydney O'Hare
Museum Educator, African American Museum of Iowa

Redlining is the systematic denial of various services by federal and local government agencies and the private sector to residents of specific neighborhoods. Black populations in seven Iowa cities – Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Sioux City, Dubuque, Davenport, Des Moines, and Waterloo – were subject to redline mapping. The US federal government established the National Housing Act of 1934 as a way to save the crashing national housing industry during The Great Depression. Under the act, Congress established the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) that oversaw federal mortgage and loan guidelines. Over 200 US urban areas were appraised based on a list of criteria, including race and ethnicity, creating color-coded HOLC maps to distinguish areas of mortgage loan risks. Typically, those with a high Black population were marked red and deemed hazardous or undesirable. This practice led to urban segregated neighborhoods and poor housing conditions. The lasting effects are seen in the racial wealth gap and police violence seen today.

Join us for Intersections in April to hear about the effects of redlining and what we can do moving forward.

There are three ways to attend Intersections. Registration is required for all three:

• Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Three boxed lunch options are available for $15 each (new price): turkey, ham, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on TUESDAY, APRIL 2. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will NOT be available.
• Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we do need your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This virtual presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Intersections is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
4126 Ingersoll Ave, DES MOINES

in-person and virtual options

Shifting the narrative about immigration

Presenter:
Erica Johnson, Founding Executive Director
Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice

We’ve all heard the rhetoric regarding immigration – often lacking facts and frequently based in a harmful narrative. Why don’t they “get in line” to be a citizen? Why are they allowed to get across the border? They’re just going to take jobs from Americans.

Sometimes those statements can result in division between family and friends. Is it possible to have a real conversation when the rhetoric is so heated and the division so wide?

Join us for Crossroads in April as Erica Johnson leads us in how to be better equipped for challenging conversations on immigration and how to shift the narrative. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to advocate for immigration policies that are just, effective, compassionate, and extend hospitality toward our immigrant neighbors.

There are three ways to attend Crossroads. Registration is required for all three:

• Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Four bag lunch sandwich options are available for $15 (new price): turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will NOT be available.
• Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we do need your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This virtual presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.

Make plans now to join us June 6 for the 2024 Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Award Celebration!