Stories

Our community is strengthened when we understand one another.

The following are personal stories from local residents who are making a difference. The stories were collected and written by the Racial Justice Committee, but inspired by the amazing people we call our neighbors. Our community leaders are vast - share who has impacted you on our Contact page!

Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine

Dec 20, 20211 min read

Christmas Around the World

Hear from our community members about Christmas traditions from around the world!

Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine

Dec 20, 20211 min read

Christmas Around the World - Spanish

Hear from our community members about Christmas traditions from around the world! Video in Spanish.

Diamond McGee Shares Her Experience as a Young Liberian

Njeri Mungara

Jul 21, 20214 min read

Diamond McGee Shares Her Experience as a Young Liberian

My name is Njeri Mungara. As a member of the racial justice committee, I was delighted to get a chance to interview Diamond McGee and...

Alyssa Oltmanns is Owning Her Queer Experience - and Helping Others Do the Same

Daniel Salazar

Jun 30, 20217 min read

Alyssa Oltmanns is Owning Her Queer Experience - and Helping Others Do the Same

Education/Background: Pride month is a combination of events, celebrations, and symbols of solidarity with the LGBTQIA + community. At...

Hannah Pautz - Future Leaders of Muscatine

Claudia Artola

May 5, 20213 min read

Hannah Pautz - Future Leaders of Muscatine

Following up with our new “Future Leaders of Muscatine” series, today we wanted to focus the spotlight on a student that has shown drive,...

Lesly Garcia - Future Leaders of Muscatine

Claudia Artola

Mar 14, 20213 min read

Lesly Garcia - Future Leaders of Muscatine

This piece is the beginning of our Future Leaders of Muscatine series, where we will highlight young Muscatine leaders who show...

Monica Hernandez and Jose Juarez - Monica's Taqueria

Daniel Salazar

Mar 14, 20214 min read

Monica Hernandez and Jose Juarez - Monica's Taqueria

Monica's Taqueria is located at 506A Mulberry Avenue. The new restaurant is inspired by dreams, ambitions, and hard work. The owners are...

Destiny Williams

Mar 2, 20213 min read

Maritza Martinez - The Coffee Belt

“I hope that Muscatine knows that there is hope in life. We’re here for our community.” The Coffee Belt, located at 210 East 2nd Street,...

Jefferson Elementary School "Colors of the World"

Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine

Jan 20, 20211 min read

Jefferson Elementary School "Colors of the World"

Students at Jefferson Elementary School in Muscatine, Iowa have been working hard on "Colors of the World" portraits using the new...

Daniel Salazar

Dec 28, 20205 min read

Monica Garrido - Black Pearl Café

Monica Garrido, owner of the Black Pearl Café, creates a unique atmosphere for everyone at 413 E. 2nd Street. She has run this business...

The People Behind the Name "Susan Clark Junior High School"

Meghan Custis

Dec 23, 20203 min read

The People Behind the Name "Susan Clark Junior High School"

On September 9, 2019, the Muscatine Community School District Board voted to change West Middle School’s name to Susan Clark Junior High...

Cesar and Monica Garrido - Chicharo's Mexican Grill

Daniel Salazar

Dec 17, 20202 min read

Cesar and Monica Garrido - Chicharo's Mexican Grill

Cesar and Monica Garrido are the proud owners of Chicharo's Mexican Grill, located in the Muscatine Mall at 1903 Park Avenue, Unit 6500....

Duane "Big Cat" Williams - Big Cat's Café

Destiny Williams

Dec 17, 20202 min read

Duane "Big Cat" Williams - Big Cat's Café

Duane Williams, also known as ‘Big Cat’, opened Big Cat’s Café in October of this year. The café is on West Mississippi Drive, in the...

West Liberty High School Band Receives Racial Justice Grant

Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine

Dec 16, 20201 min read

West Liberty High School Band Receives Racial Justice Grant

The West Liberty High School Band has served the community since its inception in 1938. The music program plans to use the grant to...

The Diversity Service Center of Iowa Receives Racial Justice Grant

Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine

Dec 16, 20201 min read

The Diversity Service Center of Iowa Receives Racial Justice Grant

The Diversity Service Center of Iowa was founded in 2001 by five Latino members of Muscatine that saw the need to assist families with...

Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine

Nov 11, 20202 min read

Meet the Racial Justice Committee!

This website was built with the help of talented, dedicated youth. Read more to get to know the members of the Racial Justice Committee!...

Flickinger Learning Center Receives Racial Justice Grant

Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine

Nov 9, 20201 min read

Flickinger Learning Center Receives Racial Justice Grant

Flickinger Learning Center is an after-school program for at-risk children in Muscatine. Its purpose is to provide educational...

Aligned Impact Muscatine Receives Racial Justice Grant

Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine

Nov 9, 20201 min read

Aligned Impact Muscatine Receives Racial Justice Grant

Aligned Impact Muscatine works together to build a bright future for the county by bringing all sectors of the community together to...

Stories

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