House honors Anne Harris Carter and recalls Iowa Underground Railroad history

Representative Maeve Ramirez recognized Anne Harris Carter during the House’s Black History Month observances, calling Carter “a renowned herstory maker” whose public‑health work includes launching Linn County’s office of health equity and serving on numerous local nonprofit boards. Ramirez said Carter has “fundamentally transformed Linn County and beyond.”

The presentation noted Carter’s nonprofit and civic roles, including work with Advocates for Social Justice, Alliance for Equitable Housing, the Cedar Rapids Community School District Safety Advisory Council, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation’s Group Violence Intervention governance committee, Make It Okay Linn County and other local health and service organizations. Ramirez described Carter as a Yale graduate, violinist and longtime advocate who “prioritizes power sharing, ensuring that those most affected by inequity shape the solutions.”

Representative Gustoff of Polk delivered a second Black History Month presentation, titled “Stations of Courage,” that traced Iowa’s role in the Underground Railroad. Gustoff cited sites and people singled out in the chamber’s remarks — the Jordan House, the Reverend George B. Hitchcock House (a National Historic Landmark), and local conductors such as Alexander Clark Sr. and Catherine Griffin Clark — and said the House should do more than name places: “we should name black leaders” who organized and protected freedom seekers. Gustoff framed those efforts as acts of conscience made at great personal risk.

The recognitions were ceremonial; no formal action or legislation related to the presentations was taken on the floor. The House moved on to other business after the observances and later adjourned.