Des Moines Sun

Justyn Lewis, a Des Moines resident and 2012 Iowa State University graduate, is currently running for an at large member seat on the Des Moines City Council.

Lewis, who holds a degree in political science, is also the founder and president of Selma in Des Moines, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to "build a broad coalition of individuals, organizations and businesses united in their efforts to deepen their understanding of the injustices faced by communities of color."

"I am passionate about bridging the gap between the Black and white communities and educating white Americans and turning them into allies," Lewis told the Des Moines Sun.

Lewis stated that one of the factors that qualify him most to serve on the Des Moines City Council is his own personal experience and desire for seeing all Iowans succeed in life.

"As a leader of a nonprofit organization that focuses on teaching implicit bias and experiences from the Black community, I think it is important we have leaders that are aware of their own bias and acknowledge the experience of all communities so they can facilitate government at an equitable level."

Additionally, Lewis is the owner of Lewis Lawn and Labor, a company that focuses on urban ecosystem sustainability, specializing in soil quality restoration, rain barrels and rain gardens.

"As a small business advocate and owner myself, I can clearly see that certain parts of Des Moines are being left behind, from bordered up businesses to dying malls," Lewis stated in his announcement video on YouTube. "The time is now to revitalize these areas and build the economy off of small businesses."

Lewis also confirmed the top three issues he wants to address are government accountability, clean waterways and small businesses.

He currently teaches unconscious bias courses and has reportedly been a prominent guest speaker on anti-racism and racial reconciliation.