Iowa Files: Ako Abdul Samad; A Life Working for Justice

Ako Abdul-Samad has served the community in numerous capacities as an elected official, mediator, and community organizer.  He has witnessed first-hand the challenges facing low income minority communities. His passion to improve the community lead to the creation of a community agency, Creative Visions Human Development Institute, to provide comprehensive, holistic services to develop and empower individuals and families. Additionally, Abdul Samad served in the Iowa House of Representatives from 2007-2025.

Ako will share his thoughts on the state of equality and the fight against systemic povery & racial injustice and his life-long commitment to the power of dialog to make positive change.

This joint library-Historical Society event is free and open to the public thanks to the support of West Des Moines Historical Society Members and the West Des Moines Library Friends Foundation. 

All Iowa Files programs will be live streamed on the West Des Moines Historical Society’s Facebook Page and all videos will be closed captioned. They will also be uploaded to their YouTube channel after the event takes place.