Hi – my name is Emili L. Johnson, and I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa.
I’m not the type of person that likes to highlight my achievements, so as a way for you to get to know me, here are the things you need to know:
- Pets – George, 10-year-old Chiweenie
- Birthday – March 7th
- Education –
- Theodore Roosevelt High School, ‘04
- Simpson College, ‘08
- Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communications
- Drake University, ‘24
- Master of Arts in Communication, Communication Leadership & Public Advocacy
- Favorite Food – Tacos
- Favorite Color – Pink
- Favorite NFL Team – Green Bay Packers & Kansas City Chiefs
Okay – I know what you are thinking and the answer is YES – there ARE Black people in Iowa.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2022 – Black people make up 4.4% of the population in the Hawkeye State. Of a total population over 3,000,000 people – this is roughly 140,000 Black Iowans. Another fun fact – most of that population live in four cities – Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Davenport.
I’ve tried to write a blog a few years ago about the planner community. I think I posted nine times over a three-year timeframe. Looking back – its clear to me that wasn’t something I could keep up and if we’re being honest, it’s a niche topic and you can only talk about planners and stickers so much until the topic gets boring or stale.
Over the last few years, my life has gone through major changes including a divorce and starting grad school. While all of this was happening, it was in the back of my mind of wanting to write about something that has meaning. I didn’t know what it was.
Now I know exactly what it is – and that is the lives and experiences of Black women in Iowa. I feel like this life that we live – the experiences growing up and understanding ourselves in a primarily white world – is special and unique. And I feel like now is the time to share our stories and highlight the amazing things we are doing in our state and across the country.
This endeavor is very personal for me, and I am looking forward to this blog being a place to celebrate all the accomplishments Black women in this state have achieved.
So – if you made it to the end of this post and know of a Black woman that has a story to share, please email me at justemili@blackgirliowa.com.
Otherwise – stay tuned. I have a lot to share and am excited to start this journey.
With Love,
Emili
Black. Girl. Iowa. 