25th ANNUAL CELEBRATION DAY
NEW LOCATION! FREE ADMISSION! FREE PARKING!
Saturday February 4, 2023, 11AM–7PM
"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
HIGHLIGHTING AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTS & CULTURE
25th Anniversary: Iowa’s Premiere African American Festival is pleased to Celebrate 25 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.
TAYE DIGGS HEADLINES THE FESTIVAL!
2023 Headliner: We are excited to announce Taye Diggs as our Festival Headliner. Mr. Diggs is an award-winning actor known for his TV, Broadway and film roles. He first burst on the scene in the movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back and later made his mark with Best Man, The Wood, Brown Sugar and a long list of productions. Most recently, Diggs can be seen on both the TV series, All American as Coach Billy Baker and The Best Man: Final Chapters, and in the indie Netflix film, Set It Up, in which he stars opposite Zoey Deutch and Lucy Liu. He is also a children's book author and a Child Literacy Ambassador with the National Head Start Association.
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.
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 non-profits click here to get your booth today!
NEW LOCATION
A New Location: After being held virtually for two years, the festival will be held live and in person. Both Education Day and Celebration Day will be held at the newly renovated Horizon Events Center in Clive, a suburb of Des Moines. 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.