Black Des Moines: Voices Seldom Heard

Synopsis

Chronicles the history of blacks in Des Moines, Iowa from the mid-1800s to the present. Vintage photos and film clips are used with interviews to detail the contributions of blacks from their first appearance via the Pre-Civil War "underground railroad" to the emotional issues of today. Includes early photos of black businesses and neighborhoods, the beginnings of the Iowa Bystander newspaper, first-hand recollections of the 1920s and 1930s, disruption caused by the freeway construction and urban renewal, and the many innovations and achievements made by Des Moines blacks. Originally aired on WOI-TV on September 10, 1985.