Educating about the past and creating hope for the future

Executive Director of the African American Museum of Iowa LaNisha Cassell has had a long career in nonprofit. The Washington, D.C. native relocated to Iowa with her husband nearly 20 years ago, and recently completed a massive capital campaign, renovation, and grand reopening project at the museum.

I spoke with LaNisha about her path to leadership and the work that lies ahead.

What kind of experiences led you to pursue a life of service?

“When I moved to Iowa I didn’t know anyone except my husband. An opportunity came at the Marion Independent School District Foundation and Alumni Association. I really enjoyed working in nonprofit, but I also loved the relationship building part of the job. It's something that I have appreciated about working at the museum too. In general, when I look at opportunities I want to do something where I can be part of building relationships.

Whether it’s board or staff development, community outreach or fundraising — it all has to do with relationships with individuals and organizations. What do they support, what do they believe in, what are they passionate about? You can’t just interview someone, it’s about genuinely getting to know each other and learning more. You can be intentional and still authentic.“

What does it mean for you to serve as a purveyor of the kind of cultural and historic information and wisdom that is now being legislated out of public education?

“The schools and the teachers are fighting to be able to teach real history. The role of the museum is so important right now, because the museum still is able to teach true history. Our content is not mandated by what the state or federal government is saying (about DEI in public education). We are also not going to compromise what we do because of dollars; we have to stand on our principles. People expect authentic history, truth, and more recently for us to do more than just preserve history. We offer a platform for people to have those deep conversations, to reflect, and to decide what action to take as a citizen and a member of our community. It’s not just ‘we have artifacts’, let’s talk about what’s happening right now. Today is history tomorrow. We can’t wait until 50 years have passed.“

As a Black woman leader in a very homogenous place, do you feel like you have had to prove yourself?

“It has been challenging in some regards. I try to walk in the room with an ‘I belong here’ attitude, and to reject the impostor syndrome thing. I belong wherever I go. I do have those thoughts, even though I’m used to being the only one in the room that looks like me and sometimes the only woman. You try to put up that front, but on the inside you wonder ‘Are they listening to me? I have a thought but should I share it? Is it going to be received the way I intended?’ As I continue to put myself in those situations, I’ve gotten more comfortable learning to navigate those spaces. I have no choice even if it makes me uncomfortable because I didn’t get here by myself. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, and hopefully my shoulders will carry those who come after.“

What does it mean for you to be able to demonstrate by example that representation of leadership — not only for your own children, but also for children that look like ours?

“When I came to the museum I don’t think I realized the visibility of it all, how much people would be watching what I do. I was recently invited to attend and speak at the Kirkwood Black Student Union Gala. They told me, ‘We did the gala because we went to your gala and we were inspired to do our own.’ Before I spoke they were giving out awards to their members and faculty advisers — they had an Inspiration Award, and before you know it they were calling me up to the stage. I couldn’t believe it. I was crying like a baby, it was so meaningful.

I felt the visibility in that moment. I need to make sure I’m doing my thing. I want to continue to be that kind of example when young people who look like my children are around and I have an opportunity to push them to do the next thing.“

Who were your mentors along the way?

“My mother worked at the Pentagon for the Department of Defense, and retired at the highest level of civilian management after 25 years. She was there during 9/11, and came back the next day because she was essential. She is 75 and just retired again. She couldn’t stay retired, so she started her own consulting firm. And my grandmother raised 6 kids by herself. They were my examples of hard work and integrity. The most important part of my journey is my faith. It is the foundation for everything I do for myself, my family, and my community.“

What legacy do you hope to leave for generations to come?

“I want to be remembered as someone who wasn’t daunted by the challenge. A leader, who will push the envelope to get people thinking differently.”

I thanked LaNisha for her frank and genuine commentary, and for her commitment to this work. Despite the outcry over “divisive topics,” it is a necessary component of building community to understand where we have been and how we move forward bearing that context in mind. The African American Museum of Iowa serves as a hub of community — political events, author presentations, fellowship events and cultural celebrations spill out of the building and fill the lawns, the sidewalks, the city with life and renewed hope.

For information on upcoming AAMI Juneteenth events, visit: https://blackiowa.org/events/juneteenth/

Sofia DeMartino is a Gazette editorial fellow. sofia.demartino@thegazett.com