Overview

The Brown & Black Forum was founded in 1984 by current Co-Chair and former Iowa State Representative Wayne Ford and former Co-Chair Mary E. Dominguez Campos.

The non-partisan Iowa Brown & Black Forum had humble beginnings in 1984 and expanded to include U.S. Presidential candidate forums in 1984. The event has evolved to be inclusive of all Iowans, and serve as a platform for minorities across the country to ensure their voices reach the White House with reverberating effect. It is recognized as the nation’s oldest minority forum for Presidential candidates.

Over the years, the groundbreaking event has attracted participation from the likes of former President Barack Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. MSNBC, C-SPAN, BET, Mediacom, FUSION and other national and local news organizations that have covered the event since its inception.

Addressing public policy issues to which minorities can relate, such as economic development, immigration, education, healthcare and bias in the justice system, has created a tradition of civic engagement in Iowa and around the country.

As the first of its kind, the Brown and Black Forums of America has become one of the oldest and most vital platform for Presidential candidates to share their ideas – specifically plans that would affect minorities across the nation.

2024 Brown & Black Republican Presidential Forum

Press Statement: Cancellation of the Iowa Brown & Black Presidential Forum (Republican Candidate-Based Event)

The Brown & Black Forums of America has made the decision not to host the previously scheduled Iowa Brown & Black presidential forum for Republican candidates. This event was initially set for January 13, 2024, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. This decision comes in light of the low number of committed participants, which unfortunately does not allow us to create the impactful and comprehensive forum we had envisioned.

While we are disappointed to cancel this particular event, our commitment to amplifying the voices of all communities, especially those of color, remains stronger than ever. We are dedicated to ensuring that the perspectives and concerns of all Americans are heard and addressed during every election season.

In line with this commitment, we are actively collaborating with a variety of partners to ensure that the Brown & Black Forums of America will continue to have a significant impact both digitally and through media collaborations throughout the crucial election cycle of 2024. Our aim is to foster a platform that not only resonates with our audience but also shapes the national dialogue on pivotal issues affecting our communities.

We are excited about the innovative projects and partnerships we have in the pipeline for 2024. These initiatives promise to bring forth insightful discussions, engaging content, and a broadened reach, furthering our mission to elevate crucial conversations in our society.

We thank our supporters, partners, and the community for their understanding and continuous support as we navigate through these changes and look forward to a dynamic and impactful 2024.

For more information about our work and upcoming projects, please visit our website at www.brownandblackforum.org.

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