Friday, January 27, 2012, 7pm - 10pm

Grand Ballroom, Veterans Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. Showcasing the Henry Ossawa Tanner, African American Artist, Exhibit. Featuring the Heritage Legacy Awards and Sponsor Appreciation.Tickets are $50.

Embracing Excellence Gala Tickets

Ticket $50.00 Gala Gold Group - Includes listing on Program $500.00

The majestic cultural affair begins as guests arrive fashionably elegant and prepared for the red-carpet treatment that they are about to receive.  As a gesture of welcome members of the Advisory Board will honor each guest with the placing of this years commemorative kente cloth scarves over the shoulder.

Guests then partake in royal spread of delectable, inviting soul food and fine wine fit for a King.  As the crowd mingles, the sounds of rich jazz, blues and Rhythm & Blues drift through out the space performed by one of IMMAWII’s finest bands.  The majestic evening concludes with the presentation of the 2006 Heritage Legacy Awards in the Youth, Organization and Individual divisions, IMMAWII Sponsor Recognition and words from Warner and featured Speakers.

Tickets for the event are $50.00.  Gala Gold Groups (organizations purchasing a group of 10 tickets or more) will be recognized on the Gala playbill. You can reserve your tickets by clicking on the following button and using your credit card or Paypal:

Click here to download the Embracing Excellence Gala Reservation Form

For more information contact IMMAWII at (515) 288-7171 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

IMMAWII Heritage Legacy Awards

IMMAWII Heritage Legacy Award: To nominate an individual or organization for their outstanding civic or cultural contributions to African Americans in Iowa download and complete a Heritage Legacy Award nomination form.

To nominate an individual or organization for their outstanding civic or cultural contributions to African Americans in Iowa download and complete a Heritage Legacy Award nomination form.

2010 Heritage Legacy Award Honorees

Evelyn K. Davis Youth Honoree

Alexander McGarity, Des Moines

Leading Organization

First Light Christian Fellowship

Ministry of Racial Reconciliation

Cedar Rapids

Individual Life Achievement

Mrs. Willie S. Glanton, Des Moines

Past Winners

2009

Evelyn K. Davis Youth Award:  Eric Hall, Des Moines
Individual Award Winner:  Robert Wright, Sr, Des Moines
Organization Award Winner:  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Iota Zeta Omega Chapter

2008

Evelyn K. Davis Youth Award:  Stacey Walker, Cedar Rapids
Individual Award Winner:  Jimmie Porter (posthumously), Waterloo
Organization Award Winner:  Iowa Nebraska NAACP State Conference of Branches, Iowa & Nebraska

2007

Individual Award Winner:  Catherine Williams, Des Moines

2006

Evelyn K. Davis Youth Award:  Chalissa Wilson
Individual Award Winner:  Dr. Vincent Lewis
Organization Award Winner:  Creative Visions Human Development Center

2005

Evelyn K. Davis Youth Award:  Michael C. Wright
Individual Award Winner:  Judge Odell G. McGhee
Organization Award Winner:  African American Historical Museum & Cultural Center of Iowa

2004

Evelyn K. Davis Youth Award:  Brittany Overstreet, North High, Des Moines
Individual Award Winner:  Vernon Johnson, PACE, Des Moines
Organization Award Winner:  Outside In: African-American History in Iowa

2003

Evelyn K. Davis Youth Award:  Jason Scales, West Des Moines
Individual Award Winner:  Pastor S. Faye Scott, Waterloo
Organization Award Winner:  JB Morris Scholarship Fund

2002

Evelyn K. Davis Youth Award:  Sasha Smith, Des Moines
Individual Award Winner:  Ruth Anne Gaines, Des Moines
Organization Award Winner:  Gateway Dance Theater