Civic Power, Real Talk, and Black Health in Des Moines (with Abena Sankofa Imhotep)

Abena Sankofa Imhotep—author, podcaster, and moderator of the Civic Engagement Panel at this year’s My City My Health Conference—joins Corey Dion Lewis to talk about what civic power really looks like in 2025. From voting and fundraising to storytelling and showing up in community spaces, this conversation unpacks the layers of visibility, accountability, and connection that drive public health outcomes for Black communities.

They also explore the myth of “Iowa Nice,” why storytelling personalizes health data, and how public health can’t be a one-and-done conversation. This episode is personal, rooted, and full of real takeaways.

🎟️ Register for My City My Health Des Moines (Nov 14):

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-city-my-health-des-moines--2025

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Show Notes:

00:00 – Intro: Why This Conversation Matters

01:10 – Abena’s Roots and Love for Des Moines

03:00 – What Civic Engagement Means

06:45 – Showing Up, Boards, and Community Work

10:15 – Fundraising, Bake Sales, and Local Impact

12:30 – The Bike Lane Analogy & Marginalized Communities