“The East Village” mural picturing a pastel-colored capitol building painted on the corner of a building in East Village on Feb. 23, 2025.
The historic East Village in downtown Des Moines is not shy about welcoming all communities. Not only is it a home to various shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and easy access to the rest of downtown, the neighborhood is known for its community inclusivity. Events like PrideFest and the Holiday Promenade make the neighborhood feel closely connected. The area is a hub for various live music and art, making it a hub for people interested in Des Moines nightlife to visit.
On Feb. 22, 2025, a white supremacist group chose it as a place to try to intimidate its residents and visitors. Donning face coverings, chanting, and waving flags, these people marched on the rainbow painted sidewalks to try to intimidate its residents.
These pictures are from Feb. 23, one day after these scare tactics were used.
The group marched in front of this hotel on East Fourth Street. It is pictured here the next day with no one coming or going.
Pamphlets found in Cinnaholic in East Village containing various causes including “Incarcerated Workers in Iowa: Issues and Demands,” a business flyer featuring other Des Moines establishments, and various others mixed in.
ICE awareness photo pictured in a community grocery store in East Village on Feb. 23, 2025.
Buddha statue holding a bowl of plenty pictured from sidewalk in East Village on Feb. 23, 2025.
“Take a Book, Leave a Book” library for public use outside StoryhouseBookhubon Feb. 23, 2025in East Village Des Moines.
Various posters including LGBTQ+ Day on the Hill, Des Moines Buses Mean Business, clinic information, and more are in the windows for display from the street in East Village outside Storyhouse Bookhub on Feb. 23, 2025.
Rainbow painted sidewalks displayed at the intersection of East Fifth Street and East Grand Avenue on Feb 23, 2025.
Capitol Hill Lutheran Church looking down on the neighborhood from behind Quinton’s on Feb. 23, 2025.
Newspaper stand containing free “Little Village” newspapers with the rainbow painted sidewalk underneath it on Feb. 23, 2025.
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