This week, Emili shares a brief reflection on why midterm elections matter, what voting rights mean to her, and the responsibility of staying informed and holding elected officials accountable beyond Election Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Eligible Iowa voters can register and vote on Election Day with the required proof of identity and residence.

This week, Emili J. shares a brief reflection on why midterm elections matter, what voting rights mean to her, and the responsibility of staying informed and holding elected officials accountable beyond Election Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Eligible Iowa voters can register and vote on Election Day with the required proof of identity and residence.

Iowa Voting Resources:

Find your polling place

Review Election Day registration requirements

Check or update your voter registration

Outside Iowa? Find your state’s voting information

Follow me on Instagram, TikTok and Substack @blackgirliowa.

Support Black Women

In this episode, I’m getting personal about the expectations placed on Black women, from the angry Black woman stereotype and workplace scrutiny to the exhausting pressure to be strong, agreeable, and resilient. I’m sharing my own experiences with leadership, unpacking how Black women are treated in the media and professional sports, and exploring why support must include accountability, protection, rest, and the freedom to simply be human.

I’m also confronting an important realization: I can’t advocate for supporting Black women while forgetting to extend that same grace, compassion, and care to myself.

Supporting Black women isn’t a slogan. It’s a practice.

New season. New chapter. Same Black Girl in Iowa.

Follow @blackgirliowa on Instagram and TikTok, and subscribe to my Substack for more stories and reflections.

New season. New chapter. Same Black girl in Iowa.

After two seasons, 61 episodes, and countless conversations, Black. Girl. Iowa. is back for Season 3—and this time, I'm doing things a little differently. No guests, no interviews, just me, the mic, and my thoughts.

In this season premiere, I'm reintroducing myself beyond the microphone. I'm reflecting on the experiences that inspired me to create Black. Girl. Iowa., the woman I've become since launching the podcast, and what life looks like at 40 as a Black woman navigating career, creativity, independence, relationships, and personal growth in Iowa.

From embracing my decision to be childfree and building a life on one income to becoming an author, entrepreneur, and content creator, I'm sharing the lessons, challenges, and accomplishments that have shaped this chapter of my life. I'm also talking about learning to trust myself, giving myself grace, and leaving self-doubt behind.

Season 3 is my audio journal—a space for honest reflections, a little humor, some vulnerability, and the occasional cuss word. I'm not here because I have everything figured out. I'm here because my story is still being written, and I'm finally giving myself permission to tell it in my own words.

Welcome back to Black. Girl. Iowa. Let's get reacquainted.

Follow along: Instagram & TikTok @blackgirliowa

Shop: Black. Girl. Iowa. on Etsy