Ames MLK Day Honoree: "Ideals Have Not Been Met"

Iowa has made national headlines for its progressive civil rights stance on issues such as gay marriage, its extension of equal pay laws and its passage of anti-bullying legislation, but the state has a ways to go in meeting the ideal for Martin Luther King, Jr., said Ralph Rosenberg, former director of Iowa Civil Rights Commission.

“It's a time to reflect on the progress we have made and realize that the ideals have not been met,” Rosenberg said.

The visible reminders of racism in this country like separate drinking fountains are no longer, but racism, hate crimes and bigotry still exist, he said.

Both Rosenberg and Jan Beran, a former professor and former Ames Human Relations Commission member, will be recognized Monday during Ames' annual MLK Birthday celebration for their dedication to human and civil rights. Friends of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission awarded them the "friends" award in October for their dedication to equality. They will be re-recognized during the birthday party that begins at Monday at .

Rosenberg, 62, a former state legislator directed the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for seven years. The agency still deals with 2,000 discrimination claims each year. Accusations of racism, gender inequity and disability issues top the list of complaints, he said.

Beran, 80, served on the Ames Human Relations Commission, and organized small community group discussions about race, ethnicity and community relations, which lead to the creation of FACES, an annual event celebrating Ames diversity that's now in its 10^th year.

“(MLK) thought it was so important that every person be valued for their gifts,” Beran said.

The retired professor, who is now most active in her church, the , said Iowa has always been known for being welcoming and treating women equally. The state has moved forward progressively, she said, but has room to improve. She'd like to focus on the goal of inclusivity.

“So that everyone feels included and has the freedom to do what they want to do to be included,” Beran said.

Want to participate in the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King? Scroll through the list of events below.

MLK Events in Ames

On Sunday , 3721 Calhoun Ave. will host an interfaith celebration of the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. This is a continuation of a series of observances that, last year, were held at . Representatives of several faith communities will discuss the meaning of the day for their communities in a 90 minute service that includes music and refreshments.

On Monday A film, “Food Stamped” will be shown at the from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday

The movie examines whether people can eat a well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget. After the movie participants will discuss Story County's hidden hunger and what the community can do about it.

The MLK Birthday Celebration will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the . Cake will be served from 6 to 6:20 p.m. The hour program of songs, skits and speeches begins at 6:30 p.m.

A food drive will be conducted throughout MLK Day. Canned food and other nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the 's auditorium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or at the during the celebration from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds go to the food pantry.

will celebrate the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday at 4 p.m. Thursday in the Great Hall at the Memorial Union. The King honor includes music and speakers. Musical performances will feature Bridges to Harmony Choir and Shy of a Dozen. Speakers include Nana Osei-Kofi, assistant professor and coordinator of social justice studies in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; Government of the Student Body President Dakota Hoben and Black Student Alliance President Paris Tindrell. Steven Leath, the new university president, will present opening remarks. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Advancing One Community Awards will be presented.

On Jan. 26, Iowa State's celebration continues with the 7 p.m. Jan. 26 showing of "Black American Gothic," a 60-minute documentary about the urban migration from Chicago to Iowa City. The film will be played in Great Hall at the Memorial Union. “The film addresses how changing demographics have affected low-income housing, public schools and law enforcement.” A discussion on "Planting Urban Roots in Iowa," will follow.

And 8 p.m. Feb. 2, a NBC correspondent Touré, author of "Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness," will discuss his book in the Great Hall at the Memorial Union. Touré interviewed more than 100 prominent blacks about what it means to be black today and how blackness has changed through the years. Touré's talk is also part of the National Affairs Series and Black History Month.