© 2025 Iowa Public Radio
Iowa Public Radio News
Fresh Air
Iowa Public Radio News
Fresh Air
Next Up: 11:00 PM BBC World Service
0:00
0:00
Fresh Air
Iowa Public Radio News
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Bus tour takes Iowans to iconic civil rights spaces

Ways To Subscribe
Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

The history of the Civil Rights Movement can feel far away.

Waterloo Human Rights Commission Director Rev. Abraham Funchess, Jr. has been helping people get up close and personal with history with his annual MLK Freedom Bus Tour.

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe talks with Funchess about the tour which makes stops in four cities - Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma, and Memphis.

Waterloo City Council Member Nia Wilder joins the conversation to reflect on how her trips on the MLK Freedom Bus Tour influenced her decision to be more active in her community.

Later in the episode, Nebbe talks with University of Iowa alum Amy Rodriguez. The former student stagehand is returning to Hancher Auditorium the weekend of February 23rd to play the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in the national touring production of the musical "Hairspray."

Guests:

  • Rev. Abraham L. Funchess, Jr., pastor, Jubilee United Methodist Church Freedom Center
  • Nia Wilder, ward 3 council member, City of Waterloo
  • Amy Rodriguez, actor
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.