

"I call on my fellow political leaders to stand alongside us and help us fight back against these racist actions that seek to suppress our democratic voice.” “We’re at a pivotal moment in our state and we cannot afford to ignore the real threats of harassment and violence Black Iowans face," Womble said. Womble mentioned another incident where an online event hosted by the Black Caucus in February 2021 was also zoom bombed with racial slurs. More: This group of Black law enforcement officers is giving back to the community, trying to create change In May 2020, a joint meeting of the Des Moines City Council and the city's Civil and Human Rights Commission was shut down after someone infiltrated the online gathering and uttered racial and sexual slurs.

It also follows other incidents where hackers have targeted Iowa meetings with racial slurs. The incident, first reported by Black Iowa News, follows lynching threats Wilburn said he received in October after writing an op-ed critical of Donald Trump.

That’s why it’s crucial all Iowans speak up and hold those accountable for bigoted actions and statements.” Unfortunately, these despicable experiences of harassment are far too common for Black Iowans. Wilburn said in a statement: “What happened last night was an appalling attempt to intimidate and silence Black voices in Iowa.
