About Us

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Joe Anna E. Cheatom was a fearless civil rights activist, community leader, and advocate for economic justice in Des Moines, Iowa. Her legacy is one of unwavering commitment to social change, particularly in the fight for the rights of welfare recipients, the African American community, and marginalized groups. From her work with the National Welfare Rights Organization (NWRO) to her role in shaping community radio and civil rights movements, Cheatom left an indelible mark on Des Moines and beyond.

Joe Anna E. Cheatom lived her life without apology and without regret, standing firmly for what she believed in, no matter the consequences. Through her activism, leadership, and unwavering dedication to justice, she remains an inspiration to generations of community organizers, activists, and everyday people fighting for a better world.

Her story is one of strength, resilience, and a refusal to back down—a legacy that continues to shape Des Moines and beyond.

Joe Anna was born July 18, 1924 in St. Joseph, Missouri, to George N. Brewer and Ava (Gasaway) Brewer. She grew up alongside her beloved brother, George Brewer Jr., who became well-known in Des Moines for his concert and party promotions, helping to shape the city’s entertainment scene.

Joe Annas family life was deeply rooted in both love and resilience. She had five children:

Leonard Johnson and Joseph Johnson, whose father, Leonard Johnson, was tragically killed in the war.

Irvin Cheatom, Iris Cheatom, and Marvin E. Cheatom Jr., from her later marriage to Marvin E. Cheatom.

As a mother and activist, Joeanna balanced her family responsibilities with her commitment to social justice, ensuring that her children grew up in an environment that valued community, empowerment, and resistance against oppression.

As president of the Des Moines branch of the National Welfare Rights Organization (NWRO), Cheatom led efforts to secure better benefits, fight discrimination, and empower low-income families. The NWRO was a nationwide movement advocating for:

• Adequate financial support for welfare recipients

• An end to bureaucratic barriers that prevented access to aid

• Fair treatment of single mothers, particularly Black women, in the welfare system

• The right to welfare as a fundamental part of economic justice

In this role, Cheatom became a strong voice for the poor, organizing protests, lobbying government officials, and ensuring that those in need received the assistance they deserved.

Cheatom was also deeply involved in civil rights activism, particularly through her connection with the Des Moines chapter of the Black Panther Party (BPP). The BPP in Des Moines was founded in 1968 by Mary Rhem, and it focused on community empowerment, police accountability, and social programs.

While Cheatom’s exact role in the BPP remains unclear, her work aligned with the Panthers’ mission, especially in challenging police brutality, advocating for Black economic empowerment, and ensuring access to basic needsfor underserved communities.

Her activism was not without controversy. In October 1968, she and her 16-year-old son, Marvin, were arrested and charged in connection with a fire at the Jewett Lumber Company in Des Moines. This incident highlighted the intense scrutiny and resistance faced by civil rights activists during this era.

Understanding the power of media in shaping narratives and empowering communities, Cheatom played a crucial role in establishing KUCB-FM, a Black community radio station in Des Moines.

Working alongside Charles Knox and through the Center for the Study of Black Theology, she helped secure FCC approval for the station in 1979. By 1981, KUCB-FM was on the air, offering programming that included:

• Gospel, jazz, and reggae music

• Live church services

• Talk shows focused on Black empowerment and civil rights

KUCB-FM became a pillar of the Black community in Des Moines, giving voice to those who were often ignored by mainstream media.

Joe Anna Cheatom’s fearless activism, leadership, and commitment to justice left a lasting impact. In recognition of her work, Cheatom Park, located at 11th and Day Streets in Des Moines, was named in her honor.

The park stands as a permanent tribute to her dedication to civil rights, community service, and the fight for justice. In 2020, the Des Moines City Council approved a Mini-Pitch Futsal Court System at the park, further cementing her legacy as a champion for the people.

Final Years and Passing

Cheatom passed away on April 27, 1984, at the age of 59, leaving behind a powerful legacy of resistance, advocacy, and community empowerment. Her life was a testament to the belief that justice must be fought for and that every individual—regardless of race or economic status—deserves dignity and respect.