The Iowa State Bystander was an African American newspaper founded in 1894 in Des Moines, created to give Black Iowans a voice at a time when mainstream media largely ignored or misrepresented their lives. Established by James H. Shepard, the paper’s first publisher was Chester I. Barnett, and its early editorial leadership included Edward A. Carter. Together, they built a publication that advocated for civil rights, highlighted community achievements, and challenged racial injustice, helping lay the groundwork for one of the longest-running Black newspapers in the Midwest.
Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.
