By Hola America News
Des Moines, IA – In what leaders called a historic step for representation at the Statehouse, a group of Iowa legislators announced today the formation of the Iowa Legislative Black and Brown Caucus, expanding the mission of the longtime Black Caucus to formally include Latino and other Brown communities.
Speaking at a press conference at the Iowa Capitol, lawmakers said the new caucus aims to address disparities in civil rights, education, health care, economic opportunity, and the justice system — while ensuring Black and Brown Iowans have a stronger voice in state policymaking.
“Today is a historic day in the Iowa Legislature,” State Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines said, noting that the original Iowa Legislative Black Caucus was formed in April 2015 by four Black legislators. “After nine years and the inclusion of more members — we now have 12 — our vision has expanded. We want to specifically embrace Brown Iowans. They have experienced serious discrimination, and they are the largest minority group in the state.” Gaines added
The caucus described its formation as the result of “discussion, debate and long deliberation,” ultimately deciding unanimously to come together as a “larger, more diverse team” to address inequality in Iowa.
From “community pain” to “community power”
Members said the caucus will focus on issues they described as urgent in Black and Brown neighborhoods, including preschool and child care access, barriers to health care, jobs, voting rights, and fair treatment under the law.
“Today we stand as a Black and Brown Caucus committed to turning community pain into community power,” Rep. Mary Lee Madison of Polk County said. “This caucus is not symbolic. This is not performative unity. This is about direct power, policy, and the responsibility that each of us hold as state representatives and state senators.” added Rep. Rob Johnson.
Lawmakers emphasized that their work would center on civil rights protections, access to quality education and health care, economic opportunity, equity in hiring, reproductive justice, and fairness in the justice system. They also said the caucus would push to reduce bias in decision-making and ensure communities are not treated as an afterthought.
“This caucus exists to make sure that when decisions are made, our community is heard — not just as an afterthought, but as a priority,” Rep. Johnson said. “Our community deserves safety, dignity, justice, and a real voice at every table where power is exercised.” Rep. Madison.
Honoring those who came before
Several speakers paid tribute to earlier Black lawmakers and community leaders who paved the way, including Rep. Wayne Ford, Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines, and other barrier-breaking legislators. They also recognized longtime community advocate Mary Campos, describing her as a foundational figure in organizing within Brown communities.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants,” Rep. Johnson said. “Without the work of those who came before us, there would be no Black senators and no Black representatives. Change requires sacrifice, and freedom is not free.”
Lawmakers also stressed that the caucus is inviting public involvement.
“Stay engaged. Stay diligent. Hold us accountable,” Rep. Johnson urged. “Do not let the gallery be empty when moments for you to be here are needed.”
Immigration protections proposed
Rep. Angel Ramirez, the first Latina to serve in the Iowa State Legislature, connected the caucus’s formation to current immigration concerns. She cited reports of immigration enforcement actions in neighboring states and in Iowa that she said have caused fear in communities.
“We’ve seen our own neighbors unlawfully targeted, violently torn from their jobs and families,” Ramirez said. “This violates Iowans’ moral code of treating people with kindness, dignity, and respect.”
Ramirez announced that she and allies plan to introduce a package of legislation they are calling the “Protect the American Dream Act.” The proposals include:
- Requiring federal immigration agents to clearly identify themselves while operating in Iowa
- Ensuring due process and constitutional protections for all Iowans
- Prohibiting immigration enforcement actions in courthouses, schools, and churches
“These are essential protections for all Iowans,” Ramirez said. “We urge our colleagues, regardless of party, to stand with us as we protect the American Dream.”
Photo by Tar Macias / Hola Iowa
Looking ahead
Caucus members said the formation of the Black and Brown Caucus reflects Iowa’s changing demographics and is meant to ensure that state government better reflects the communities it serves.
“Iowa looks more like us than what this chamber does upstairs,” one lawmaker said. “It’s important that we join our voices together so every Iowan knows their face is up here and their thoughts are being fought for every single day.”
While leaders celebrated the launch, they framed it as a continuation of long-standing work.
“Today we celebrate a launch,” Rep. Dr. Megan L. Srinivas said, “but it is just the continuation of hard work and a long story that has been part of Iowa’s fabric from the very beginning.”
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