Abena Sankofa Imhotep—author, podcaster, and moderator of the Civic Engagement Panel at this year’s My City My Health Conference—joins Corey Dion Lewis to talk about what civic power really looks like in 2025. From voting and fundraising to storytelling and showing up in community spaces, this conversation unpacks the layers of visibility, accountability, and connection that drive public health outcomes for Black communities.

They also explore the myth of “Iowa Nice,” why storytelling personalizes health data, and how public health can’t be a one-and-done conversation. This episode is personal, rooted, and full of real takeaways.

🎟️ Register for My City My Health Des Moines (Nov 14):
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-city-my-health-des-moines--2025

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Show Notes:
00:00 – Intro: Why This Conversation Matters
01:10 – Abena’s Roots and Love for Des Moines
03:00 – What Civic Engagement Means
06:45 – Showing Up, Boards, and Community Work
10:15 – Fundraising, Bake Sales, and Local Impact
12:30 – The Bike Lane Analogy & Marginalized Communities
15:00 – Deconstructing “Iowa Nice” and Accountability
19:40 – Public Health Is Personal
22:00 – Storytelling that Humanizes Data
25:30 – Stephen’s Story: Prostate Cancer in the Black Community
28:40 – Abena’s Work: Sankofa Group, Substack, Podcast
33:30 – Final Thoughts + Conference Preview

Follow Abena:
🌐 https://www.abenasankofa.com
📰 The Imhotep Report on Substack
🎙️ Black and Privileged in America Podcast

Subscribe to My City Talks for more real conversations at the intersection of health, equity, and community.