2008 History Makers
The African American Museum is proud to announce our four History
Makers, who will be recognized at this year's Women's Conference
Gala 2008. These outstanding women are currently living in Iowa
and have made history through their community service and accomplishments
which have changed and impacted the lives of all Iowans.
Who is a History Maker? She is a woman who has initiated innovation
in her field, made a positive mark on her community, created a
legacy and has established herself as an outstanding role model
that all people, regardless of race, age or gender can admire
and emulate.
Ms. Betty Jean Furgerson's life history is contained in
the Iowa Women's Archives under the Betty Jean Furgerson Papers
at the University of Iowa. Ms. Furgerson has participated in the
State Board of Regents as a Trustee of the University of Iowa
Hospitals and Clinics and been appointed to many committees and
commissions concerned with education by the Iowa Governor or state
legislature. With over 50 years of active involvement in the community
she has been continually pursuing justice and a better quality
of life for all residents of Iowa. Ms. Furgerson also served as
President of Iowa Public Television (IPTV). Most recently she
has received the prestigious David J. Brugger award from the Association
of Public Television Stations for her exemplary leadership and
grassroots advocacy. She also sits on the board of KBBG Radio
88.1 FM.
Mrs. Frances Hawthorne's scholarly writing and research
on Black History in Iowa has provided documentation on such areas
as the African American Churches of Iowa, and the city of Buxton.
From her outstanding journalism in the Des Moines Iowa Bystander
as a reporter, to the extensive research on the Underground Railroad
in Iowa, Mrs. Hawthorne's achievements were possible due to her
desire to expand the influence, understanding and knowledge of
Black History in Iowa. She currently has been honored for 50 years
service to the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and the Des Moines community.
Mrs. Hawthorne is on the Advisory Board of Iowa Foundation for
Medial Care.
Ms. Lyn Stinson is a leader. She never stops seeking opportunities
to bring people together. Giving of her time and talent, Ms. Stinson
has been a tireless worker for the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Burlington, holding such
positions as President and Secretary. She established the pre-release
program at the Maximum Security Prison in Fort Madison and created
the "Women Waiting" program to assist women while their
loved ones were in prison. Establishing the Des Moines County
Neighborhood Center serving those with low incomes in Burlington,
Ms. Stinson has always endeavored to enrich the community, enable
the poor and enlighten the public. Ms. Lyn Stinson was awarded
the Governors' Volunteer Award, and was recently honored in Burlington,
by the city's celebration of Lyn Stinson Day.
As a teacher in the Cedar Rapids School District for over 28
years Dr. Ruth White's impact on young African American
men and women has been enormous. She founded The Academy for Scholastic
and Personal Success, a six week summer program for African American
students which focuses on academic achievement and cultural awareness.
Ms. White also initiated a program to attack the under-representation
of minority students in Advanced Placement courses called "Toward
Advanced Placement" (TAP) Program. She continues to make
an indelible mark as a an Academic Advisor to Minority Students
serving to encourage them to strive further for the highest pinnacle
of academic achievement they are able to reach for. Ms. White
is on the Board of Directors for Diversity focus and a Consultant
for the Iowa Accountability Project.
Please join with the African American Museum of Iowa and congratulate
these four History Makers of the Women's Conference 2008.
