Penny Furgerson was born, and grew up in, Bombay, India. In 1972, Penny and her husband, Lee, founded the Gateway Dance Theatre in Des Moines. the Gateway Dance Theatre sought to combine influences from India, Africa, and the Caribbean. Find Penny in (𝘙𝘦)𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵: 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘐𝘰𝘸𝘢.

May is Jewish Heritage Month! The Iowa Jewish Historical Society's mission is to preserve Jewish history and culture in Iowa and educate people on the subject. IJHS maintains its collection in a museum located in Waukee. Learn more about IJHS on their website (jewishdesmoines.org)!

Vana B has been performing drag shows since 2015, and is now a co-show director at The Blazing Saddle. Des Moines has taken great strides in being a community that advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and we are grateful to be a part of this community!

Yesterday was National Teacher Appreciation Day! Today we celebrate our friends, supporters, and partners in the world of education. Educators' work to inform the next generation should not go unnoticed. Special shoutout to our own PPF Board member, Zipporah Smith!

PPF recognizes Des Moines' own Roy Halston Frowick. A renowned fashion designer of the 70s, Halston was known for his clean and sophisticated women's wear looks, meant for a diverse range of women. Halston is still remembered and celebrated for his contributions to the world of fashion.

Join us in celebrating Indie Bookstore Day! Show your support to the amazing independent bookstores in your community who are making it possible to share the world of books and reading.

Special shoutout to PPF's indie bookstore partners here in Iowa! You are AMAZING and we appreciate you!

In reflecting on Black History Month, we want to celebrate some prominent figures in Iowa history!

Stay tuned for more videos, and be sure to check out these books at the link tree in our bio (or the PPF website) for more stories on amazing Iowans!