Iowa African-American Hall of Fame announces 2016 inductees

DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa African-American Hall of Fame will induct four new members in November.

Founded in 1995 in Des Moines, the IAAHF recognizes the outstanding achievements of African-Americans who have enhanced the quality of life for all Iowans. Since its inception in 2002, 65 Iowans have been inducted into the IAAHF.

Inductees will be recognized at a reception and banquet starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Holiday Inn Des Moines Airport, 6111 Fleur Drive, Des Moines. Tickets are $50 per person. A table of 10 seats may be reserved for $500. To make a reservation, contact Kenyatta Shamburger at 515-294-6338. In addition to supporting the IAAHF, proceeds provide scholarships for developing youth leadership at Iowa colleges and universities.

2016 inductees

This year, the Iowa African-American Hall of Fame recognizes the achievements of:

Dr. Kesho Scott, Grinnell

Dr. Kesho Scott was the first African-American woman to receive tenure at Grinnell College, where she is an associate professor of American studies and sociology. Scott is an award-winning author and frequent speaker on race relations, diversity and inclusion, women’s issues and cultural competency. For 30 years she has conducted workshops nationally and internationally on unlearning racism and all "-isms." She has impacted the heartland by opening new pathways to equality and celebrating differences.

Betty Andrews, Des Moines

Betty Andrews has distinguished herself with the "I’ll Make Me A World In Iowa" annual celebration of African-American cultural heritage, which attracts more than 10,000 participants from across Iowa. As president of the Iowa/Nebraska State Conference of the NAACP, she has led efforts to reform the criminal justice system and bring more equality into the Iowa courts.

Henry Harper, Iowa City

Henry Harper has empowered youth and families, and enabled challenged youth to meet seemingly insurmountable goals in school work and in community organizing. Harper has been exemplary in his efforts to foster interagency cooperation among law enforcement, community residents and students. He is a leader who founded two organizations that assist young people in their transition to college.

James B. Morris Jr., Des Moines (posthumous)

James B. Morris Jr. was the first black assistant Polk County attorney, and had an outstanding career as a trial lawyer. Morris also served as an intelligence officer with the U.S. 6th Army in World War II in the South Pacific. He received the Bronze Star, and was one of the first African- American officers to lead white troops in combat. He and his father, the late J.B. Morris Sr., practiced law in Des Moines for many years. They had an incredible dedication to the legal profession. Morris Sr. is also a member of the Iowa African-American Hall of Fame, as is his son, Robert V. Morris.