For the first time since its inception, the Iowa Black and Brown Presidential Forum (IBBF) is including the Republican Party of Iowa in its presidential forum activities this election season.

Leaders from both parties, as well as honorary co-chairs Governor Branstad and Congressman Lobesack joined IBBF co-founders Wayne Ford and Mary Campos in announcing the details of the two presidential forums to be held later this year. IBBF was created to showcase minority issues in the presidential election dialogue, as well as to bring more of the country’s eye to Iowa. Ford said this year’s forums will be especially important in the nation’s conversations on race and equality.

“Like so many influential minority events before it, this forum will have a significant effect on the political process of minorities across this nation for years to come,” said Ford. “We’ll be asking candidates their opinions on healthcare, education, and the criminal justice system. We want to know what will they do in these areas if they become president.”

Later in the press conference, Republican Party of Iowa Chair Jeff Kaufmann talked about his party’s inclusion in the minority-focused forum.

“I can’t think of a more distinguished group to be a part of, to stand arm and arm with,” said Kaufmann, “and give our candidates the chance to discuss and have a civil dialogue, and I am very proud to be a part of this and I know we are going to make Iowa proud to be a part of this as well.”

Kaufmann said having two presidential forums will also solidify Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status.

“For us to be able to place this Brown and Black forum right in the middle of our first-in-the-nation status…this will place these issues in the forefront and this will help this particular city exactly where it needs to be and protect our status as a first-in-the-nation state,” said Kaufmann.

The Republican presidential forum will be held on December 3rd at Drake University, while the traditional Democratic event will be on January 11th. The location for the Democrats is still up in the air, according to Andy McGuire of the Iowa Democratic Party. No candidates have signed on yet, though invitations have been sent. The structure of the forum will not be like a debate, as per the Democratic and Republican National Committees’ guidelines.