02/17/2022
In honor of Black History Month, we are uplifting Black members of our community throughout February. We would like to take a moment to highlight one of our Human Rights Champions, Webster Kranto, in our Celebrate Black Voices series.
Webster W. Kranto is not only a successful business owner of Kranto Education Alliance, Budu\Bu Smoke Shop & Art Collective (Budu\Bu), and Kranto Professional Media Solutions, he’s also very active in the Des Moines community in several roles. He is Chair of the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission, Vice-Chair of the Iowa Board of Corrections, and President of the Magnolia Park Neighborhood Association - South DSM.
When asked what Black History Month means to him personally, Kranto states, “It’s a time to rewrite the script and undo roadblocks both mental and physical that were deliberately set to damage and disparage us. Black History Month is a reminder to hold my head up high. As an African who immigrated to the US, Black History Month gives me many opportunities to learn more about the history of Africans in America. Although many significant improvements have been made, the Black struggle for equality is work in progress. We’re reminded frequently of just how far we have yet to go.”
Join us in celebrating his contributions to our community to advance human rights, creating a culture of inclusion, respect, and justice for all.