PROJECTS
Here’s what we’re working on.
Black Children’s Memorial
Located at 1601 6th Avenue, the Black Children’s Memorial was created in fall 2020 to hold space for lost and missing children in Des Moines and across Iowa. The memorial is open to all, and visitors are encouraged to bring flowers (fresh or fake), small toys or items and signs to place at the site.
The names we honor include:
Abdullah (Abdi) Sharif
Breasia Terrell
Italia Kelly
Isaiah Fernandez-Smith
Trevontay Jenkins, murdered by DMPD in his home on Christmas 2022.
Juneteenth Celebration
Each year on Juneteenth (June 19), the DSM BLM Foundation has held our Juneteenth Celebration, an event open to families and neighbors where we can come together, share space and create joy.
DSM Rent Relief Fund
The DSM BLM Rent Relief Fund was a collectivist response to the existing housing crisis that was exacerbated by COVID-19 and the ending of eviction moratoriums at the federal and state level. This fund operated from 2020-2022 and was formed between Des Moines Black Liberation Movement and Des Moines Mutual Aid. The fund provided monetary support to people needing assistance with making rent payments, paying utility bills, finding emergency housing, and more.