This week on the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast, Emili sits down with community leader, advocate, and changemaker Monique Scarlett for a powerful conversation about Black history, civic engagement, and building bridges in Northwest Iowa.

Born and raised in Sioux City, Monique shares what it was like growing up as one of the few Black children in her school during the 1960s and 70s, navigating racism at a young age while learning the importance of resilience, faith, and community. She reflects on the rich but often overlooked history of Black Iowans in Sioux City and the importance of preserving those stories for future generations.

The conversation also explores Monique’s leadership journey — from serving on the Sioux City School Board to becoming president of the Sioux City NAACP and founding Unity in Community, an organization focused on strengthening relationships between citizens and law enforcement through accountability, education, and dialogue.

Throughout the episode, Monique shares wisdom on:

• The importance of civic engagement
• Building community in spaces where you feel unseen
• Why Black women must continue speaking up and taking action
• The role faith plays in leadership and perseverance
• Creating accountability instead of simply complaining about systems
• Why preserving Black history in Iowa matters now more than ever

One of the most impactful moments of the episode comes when Monique reminds listeners:

“A vision without execution is just another hallucination.”

This episode is honest, empowering, emotional, and deeply rooted in the belief that change happens when ordinary people decide to show up for their communities.

• Growing up Black in Sioux City
• Racism, resilience, and finding community
• Black history in Northwest Iowa
• Leadership and public service
• Unity in Community and rebuilding trust
• Accountability and civic action
• Faith, perseverance, and purpose
• A lightning round with Monique Scarlett
• Unity in Community Sioux City (Facebook)
• Sioux City NAACP
• TEDx Talk: “”

Be sure to also check out Monique’s powerful TEDx Talk, Tap Into the Power of One⁠, where she speaks about leadership, impact, and creating change in your community.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and YouTube.

• Website: Black. Girl. Iowa.
• Substack: @blackgirliowa
• Etsy Shop: Black Girl Iowa Shop

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