In this week’s episode of Black. Girl. Iowa., Emili sits down with community leader, advocate, and disruptor Victoria Henderson Weber—President of the NAACP Des Moines Branch and Vice President of the Colonel Young Gun Club.

From growing up on the East Side of Des Moines to leading statewide advocacy efforts, Victoria shares how early experiences shaped her commitment to civic engagement, community safety, and systems change.

This conversation dives into:

• The power of Black women in leadership
• Why volunteerism is critical to community survival
• The truth about advocacy work (and why most of it is unpaid)
• Gun ownership, safety, and breaking stereotypes
• The role of the NAACP in today’s social climate
• How YOU can get involved and make an impact

This episode is a reminder:👉🏾 Change doesn’t come from waiting—it comes from showing up.

📚 Book Recommendation

“We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance” by Kellie Carter JacksonA powerful look into the history of Black resistance and the role of self-defense in our communities—highly recommended during this conversation.

🔗 Get Involved

NAACP – Des Moines Branch🌐 https://naacpdesmoines.org📧 secretary@naacpdesmoines.org

Colonel Young Gun Club (Des Moines Chapter of NAAGA)📍 Monthly meetings + training opportunities📧 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAAGADSM/

✨ Stay Connected with Black. Girl. Iowa.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio & YouTube (Wednesdays)🛍 Shop merch: BlackGirlIowaShop (Etsy)📲 Follow: @blackgirliowa