I think this is a monumental move by our state. This acknowledges our African-American history. This is a huge deal for a state that is 2 percent black.

I think it's a smart move to put together a plan toward bettering the plight of African-Americans.

Effie is a top-notch singer. That voice just adds so much meaning about the message we're trying to send ? that Iowa is a great state to live in.

What we try to do is stagger the entertainment so anyone coming at any time of the day would get a mix of entertainment ? spoken word, jazz and gospel ? that mix.

I was just blown away by the masses of people who were there.

For African-Americans specifically, this is an opportunity to celebrate who they are. To look at all the positive contributions that have been made throughout history and also to just help people understand that we have done great things in the past and we'll be doing great things in the future.