Share on WeChat
https://www.powervoter.us:443/ako_abdul_samad
Copy the link and open WeChat to share.
 Share on WeChat
Copy the link and open WeChat to share.
 Share on WeChat
Scan QRCode using WeChat,and then click the icon at the top-right corner of your screen.
 Share on WeChat
Scan QRCode using WeChat,and then click the icon at the top-right corner of your screen.
Quick Facts
Personal Details

Ako Abdul-Samad is a Democratic member of the Iowa House of Representatives, representing District 35. He was first elected to the chamber in 2006.

Abdul-Samad serves as Assistant Minority Leader.

Abdul-Samad's professional experience includes writing A Deeper Truth, Revelations of the Soul and working as Chief Executive Officer/Founder of Creative Visions Human Development Center, Vice President of KUCB Radio, Writer/Co-Producer of Teen Talk, Writer/Producer/Director of Understanding Islam and a photographer.

Education

  • Attended, Des Moines Area Community College
  • Graduated, National Conference of Black Lawyers Community College of Law and International Diplomacy

Professional Experience

  • Attended, Des Moines Area Community College
  • Graduated, National Conference of Black Lawyers Community College of Law and International Diplomacy
  • Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Creative Visions Human Development Center, 1995-present
  • Vice President, KUCB Radio, present
  • Employee, Patton's Restaurant & Catering, present
  • Writer/Co-Producer, Teen Talk, present
  • Writer/Producer/Director, Understanding Islam, present

Political Experience

  • Attended, Des Moines Area Community College
  • Graduated, National Conference of Black Lawyers Community College of Law and International Diplomacy
  • Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Creative Visions Human Development Center, 1995-present
  • Vice President, KUCB Radio, present
  • Employee, Patton's Restaurant & Catering, present
  • Writer/Co-Producer, Teen Talk, present
  • Writer/Producer/Director, Understanding Islam, present
  • Representative, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 35, 2007-present
  • Assistant Minority Leader, Iowa State House of Representatives, present
  • Former Assistant Majority Leader, Iowa State House of Representatives
  • Candidate, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 35, 2020

Former Committees/Caucuses

Former Member, Administration and Rules Committee, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, Education Committee, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, Human Resources Committee, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Assistant Minority Leader, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, Legislative Council Committee, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on Capital Projects, Iowa State House of Representatives

Former Member, Subcommittee on International Relations, Iowa State House of Representatives

Current Legislative Committees

Member, Agriculture Committee

Member, Environmental Protection Committee

Member, Public Safety Committee

Member, Subcommittee on Administration and Regulation

Member, Subcommittee on International Relations

Religious, Civic, and other Memberships

  • Attended, Des Moines Area Community College
  • Graduated, National Conference of Black Lawyers Community College of Law and International Diplomacy
  • Chief Executive Officer/Founder, Creative Visions Human Development Center, 1995-present
  • Vice President, KUCB Radio, present
  • Employee, Patton's Restaurant & Catering, present
  • Writer/Co-Producer, Teen Talk, present
  • Writer/Producer/Director, Understanding Islam, present
  • Representative, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 35, 2007-present
  • Assistant Minority Leader, Iowa State House of Representatives, present
  • Former Assistant Majority Leader, Iowa State House of Representatives
  • Candidate, Iowa State House of Representatives, District 35, 2020
  • Founder/President, African-American Islamic Association, present
  • Chair, American Muslim Alliance, present
  • Member, Black Panther Party, Des Moines, Iowa Chapter, present
  • Co-Founder, Black Student Union, Iowa, present
  • Vice President, Center for the Study and Application of Black Economic Development, present
  • Member, International Civil Rights Solidarity Movement, present
  • Chair, Iowa Democratic Black Caucus, present
  • Founder/President, National African-American Islamic Association, present
  • Co-Founder/Coordinator, Young Men's Christian Association Downtown Teen Program, present
  • Founder, FromPain2Power
  • Former Vice President, School Board, Des Moines Public Schools
  • School Board Member, Des Moines Public Schools, 2004-2007

Other Info

— Awards:

  • Bankers Trust Award, 2015
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Community Activist award, 2009
  • National Caring Award, 2004

Favorite Movie:

Malcom X

Favorite Musician:

Marvin Gaye

Favorite Quote:

"I am sick and tired of being sick and tired." --Fannie Lou Hammer

  • "Their are two important days in your life the day you are born and the day you find out why." --Mark Twain
  • "Life or death-our children r precious to us." --Ako Abdul-Samad
  • "Remember to give your child or children a hug while saying I love you." --Ako Abdul-Samad
  • Favorite Sport:

    Muhammad Ali

    Favorite TV Shows:

    Soul Train

    — Publications:

    • The Deeper Truth: Revelations of the Soul

    State Bills
    Events

    2020

    Jan. 24
    Meet & Greet with Cindy Axne

    Fri 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CST

    Creative Visions Human Development Institute Des Moines, IA