Committed to Community with Ako Abdul-Samad

Today we get to hear from a leader whose life has been defined by service, resilience and an unwavering commitment to community - Ako Abdul-Samad.  Ako is a lifelong resident of Des Moines and one of the most impactful voices in our state’s recent history. He served in the Iowa House of Representatives for nearly two decades, representing Des Moines and advocating for equity, justice and opportunity for all Iowans.But his leadership began long before being elected for office. In the 1960s, Ako was part of the movement for civil rights and social justice, including his time as a leader in the Black Panther Party here in Des Moines.That early commitment to justice evolved into a lifetime of service. Ako founded Creative Visions, an organization still serving Des Moines and dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and helping them build paths toward stability and success.   Ako also served on the Des Moines School Board and has been a consistent advocate for our youth, families, and underserved communities across our community and state.  What makes Ako’s story especially powerful is that it is not only shaped by leadership, but by personal loss, faith, and a deep belief in the potential of every human being.  Links from the episode Ako’s Bio Black Panther Party Des Moines Chapter Black Panther Party Reflections Creative Visions Ako’s book - A DEEPER TRUTH: Revelations of the Soul