'We're Making Change': Meet The People Of Des Moines

Damon Dahlen and Jenna Amatulli
Updated

Des Moines, Iowa, was the 15th stop on our Listen To America road trip. We hunkered down in the Urban Dreams parking lot to talk to locals about their lives in Iowa. Here’s what they had to say:

“I run a nonprofit that connects veterans with resources to help them with the issues that often go along with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries.”

― Lisa Naslund, 52, nonprofit founder

“I’m an Iowan. I’m a Midwesterner. I love the values that we share ... I believe we’re making change.”

― John Campbell, 61, factory worker

“I was incarcerated for twenty years. I went in when I was 17 and got out when I was 37 ... I’m currently getting my life in order. I actually got two jobs now.”

― Joe Harrison, 38, Public Ally

“One thing that bothers me a lot is that ― now that I’m homeless, and a lot of the homeless people that I have seen out here ― the fact that there are too many houses that are vacant and they could be put to good use.”

― Patricia Lester, 51, unemployed

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“I just graduated with my master’s degree. I wanted to make a name for myself here in Iowa.”

― Vanessa McNeal, 24, national speaker/film producer

“I found a lot of Muslims. I’m a black American Muslim. There’s a big Muslim community out here. Although there is some intolerance here in Des Moines and some racism, I think that it’s not as bad as in other places.”

― Elizabeth Scott, 37, student

“I’m from West Africa, Liberia. Grew up in Africa. We was refugee there ... I came to Des Moines in 2015. I kinda like it.”

― Patience Harmer, 28, caregiver

“It’s an awesome place to have a family.”

― Amasha Manyfield, 24, customer service representative

“I am here because you can always keep a job here.”

― Meltisha Crawford, 26, business associate

“It’s a family place ... A lot of people are welcome here.”

― Porsche Lee, 29, dental analyst

“My family was here and I like it ... People are friendly.”

― Marilyn Freerksen, 79, retired

“I came to Des Moines to work ... I hate the Des Moines river because there’s no fish right now.”

― Dominick Marcott, 43, framer/homebuilder

“This is the city I was born in ... I rep it to the fullest.”

― Lawrence DaBarber, 36, barber

MORE FROM LISTEN TO AMERICA

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Also on HuffPost

HuffPost visits Des Moines on Oct. 9, as part of "Listen To America: A HuffPost Road Trip." 
HuffPost visits Des Moines on Oct. 9, as part of "Listen To America: A HuffPost Road Trip." 
Sarah Bourassa interviews Wayne Ford and Mary Compos.
Sarah Bourassa interviews Wayne Ford and Mary Compos.
Ajamu El Amin (aka AJ The Dancer) dances on the sidewalk.
Ajamu El Amin (aka AJ The Dancer) dances on the sidewalk.
Hillary Frey and Emma Reilly discuss interviews.
Hillary Frey and Emma Reilly discuss interviews.
People wait to be interviewed during HuffPost's visit to Des Moines.
People wait to be interviewed during HuffPost's visit to Des Moines.
Hillary Frey signs up Heaven Chamberlain and Heather Ryan to be interviewed.
Hillary Frey signs up Heaven Chamberlain and Heather Ryan to be interviewed.
Jo Confino interviews Ajamu El Amin (aka AJ The Dancer).
Jo Confino interviews Ajamu El Amin (aka AJ The Dancer).
Staff members set up in preparation for interviews.
Staff members set up in preparation for interviews.
Mary Compos is interviewed.
Mary Compos is interviewed.
Lawrence DaBarber is interviewed on the HuffPost bus.
Lawrence DaBarber is interviewed on the HuffPost bus.
Moderator Wayne Ford speaks to panelists Nancy Mwirotsi, Victor Ayara, Lisa Thai, Yadira Figueroa, Art Turner (aka Country), Tilak and John Campbell during the panel event. 
Moderator Wayne Ford speaks to panelists Nancy Mwirotsi, Victor Ayara, Lisa Thai, Yadira Figueroa, Art Turner (aka Country), Tilak and John Campbell during the panel event. 
Nancy Mwirotsi speaks during the panel. 
Nancy Mwirotsi speaks during the panel. 
Tilak speaks to the audience.
Tilak speaks to the audience.
Dr. Anita Fleming-Rife ask questions of the panel.
Dr. Anita Fleming-Rife ask questions of the panel.
Moderator Wayne Ford speaks to the audience.
Moderator Wayne Ford speaks to the audience.
John Campbell responds to questions.
John Campbell responds to questions.
Ako Abdul-Samad asks questions of the panelists.
Ako Abdul-Samad asks questions of the panelists.
Victor Ayara speaks to the audience.
Victor Ayara speaks to the audience.
Art Turner (aka Country) talks about homelessness.
Art Turner (aka Country) talks about homelessness.
Polk County Supervisor John F. Mauro speaks about hunger in the community.
Polk County Supervisor John F. Mauro speaks about hunger in the community.
The HuffPost tour bus driving at night during its stop in Iowa. 
The HuffPost tour bus driving at night during its stop in Iowa. 

This article originally appeared on HuffPost.