The West Des Moines Human Rights Commission and MLK Day Planning Committee honored Al Womble, political director for the Iowa Federation of Labor AFL-CIO, and Des Moines University with Community Leadership Awards for their outstanding contributions in areas such as civil rights, education and community service. Womble served as the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus chair and organized community education events such as March to the Polls and Black Women Rise. DMU received the award for community partnerships that benefit underserved communities and its work to “create a culture of equity and inclusion,” according to the press release.