HIGHLIGHTING AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS & CULTURE
CELEBRATION DAY
Saturday February 8, 2025, 10AM–7PM
Horizon Events Center, Clive Iowa
FREE ADMISSION! FREE PARKING!
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"We gather to honor a culture rich with pride, hope, resilience and joy. 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." ~~ Betty C. Andrews, IMMAWII Executive Director
Iowa’s Premiere African American Festival is pleased to celebrate 27 years of showcasing African American Culture in Iowa. This exciting festival celebrating I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa’s status as the first major festival of the year; the kickoff to Black History Month; the home of Iowa’s newest official state song (titled “I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa”); and as the inspiration for other major ethnic festivals with thousands in attendance.
2025 FEATURED PRESENTATIONS
FESTIVAL HEADLINER
MEAGAN GOOD
ACTRESS: THE MINORITY REPORT, THE DAY SHIFT, HARLEM & ROLL BOUNCE
STATE OF BLACK IOWA FORUM
A 2025 STATUS CHECK ON HOW
AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE FARING IN IOWA
FILMED LIVE AT 10 AM.
GOSPEL PRAISE CLOSING
JOIN US AS WE CLOSE THE FESTIVAL WITH A GOSPEL PRAISE!
IOWA CHOIRS & GROUPS CLOSE THE PROGRAM WITH TRADITIONAL & MODERN GOSPEL.
Looking for Information on the Embracing Excellence Grand Gala?
The Gala is Friday, January 31st! Click here for details.
SPECIAL 10 AM FILMING: STATE OF BLACK IOWA FORUM
Join us at 10 AM for the State of Black Iowa Forum. This forum will be filmed live as the opening presentation for festival. Experts in economics, health, education, justice, law and policy from across Iowa will weigh-in on African American wellbeing in 2025. Learn more and be a part of our studio audience!
IOWA PERFORMERS
Music, drama, dance, fitness, vocals, mimes, painting, sculptors and much more. Each year I'll Make Me a World in Iowa brings over 40 performing artists, visual artists and artist groups from Iowa and throughout the country performing on multiple stages and an expanded array of cultural and soul food vendors. Are you an established performing artist or group? Click here to apply for a spot on our roster.
ALSO FEATURING: Soul Food, Wellness Expo, Kids Carnival, Animals of Africa, Art Activities, Historical Presentations​
SMALL BUSINESS & NON PROFIT EXHIBITORS & VENDORS
There is something for everyone at I'll Make Me a World in Iowa! Whether its delicious soul food; that unique item that you can only find from that special small business: a nonprofit that is sharing its helpful information or a local artist or author showcasing the fabulousness of Iowa, you will want to check out our vendors and exhibitors at the festival. Also our corporate sponsors will make available a number of engaging opportunities during the festival. Small businesses and small non-profits visit our vendor page to get your booth today! Click Here.
LOCATION
Horizon Event Center Both Education Day and Celebration Day will be held at the newly renovated Horizon Events Center at 2100 NW 100th St, Clive, IA 50325. The venue boasts beautiful stages and right sizing for I'll Make Me a World in Iowa's audience. Parking is free and widely available.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO
Offering Free Screenings and Preventative Consultation
IMMAWII acknowledges that showcasing African American culture is vastly important but also knows how critical it is to improve the lives of the community through outreach efforts like the IMMAWII Health & Wellness Expo. The expo provides numerous opportunities to improve the health of community members including fitness activities, free tests and screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, vision and others. It also offers free flu shots. Services are available to all attendees. This is important because the African American community lags in numerous categories and for many people, this is the only time they see a healthcare professional.