IMMAWII: Black Arts and Culture Festival Celebrates 28 Years

The I’ll Make Me a World In Iowa (IMMAWII) festival returns on Feb. 6, where Black Iowans get to celebrate their culture and history among their community in the newly renovated Horizon Events Center at 2100 NW 100th St, Clive, IA.

Founded in 1998, IMMAWII is celebrating 28 years since it began its mission to honor Black culture through various events, panels and celebrations. Taking place during the first week of Black History Month, it is the first major Black festival of the year. Betty Andrews, executive director of IMMAWII, says that this event holds major significance to the Black community in Iowa.

“We gather to honor a culture rich with pride, hope, resilience and joy,” Andrews said on the IMMAWII website. “We gather to honor those who have toiled and paved the way and those that now push powerfully forward. We gather to lift spirits and touch hearts.  We gather to remember, to share, and to educate.  We have made our world in Iowa and we gather to celebrate.”

This year’s rendition of the event will start with a Mini Film Fest, where there will be a showing of “PAW PAW & DAYJA,” a film produced by actor Gregory Allan Williams. There will also be a showing of a Historical Marker Dedication Highlights Video to celebrate local history and successes. Both films will be shown at 5:30 p.m. at the Fleur Cinema in Des Moines.

There are also some exciting things to come: Grammy-nominated American soul singer MAJOR. is set to headline the event this year. Known for his Platinum hit love song “Why I Love You,” attendees will enjoy great hits from the musician. IMMAWII also brings over 40 performing artists, visual artists and artists from Iowa and across the country to perform in multiple stages. 

Small businesses, from food vendors to Iowan authors and niche items from local businesses, Iowans attending the event will be contributing to their local community. The festival will also share community resources connecting the public to initiatives and positive campaigns, such as a Health and Wellness Expo where free consultations and health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes among other conditions are offered to Black Iowans. 

A STEM festival is also included within IMMAWII, where attendees are encouraged to participate in hands-on experiences exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

To learn more, visit I’ll Make Me A World In Iowa’s website.