A Cultural Plunge at I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa

When I took the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, my results reaffirmed what I already knew about myself: I genuinely enjoy engaging with different cultures, I am open-minded, and I actively seek opportunities to learn. However, my scores also revealed areas where I could grow—particularly in interaction confidence and engagement in cultural settings outside my norm. While I value diversity, I sometimes hesitate, fearing I might unintentionally offend or say the wrong thing. This realization motivated me to step outside my comfort zone and attend I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa (IMMAWII), an annual celebration of African American arts, culture, and contributions in Des Moines, Iowa.

Growing up in a predominantly white community meant that most of my cultural exposure came from history books or TV rather than real-life interactions. My hometown was over 95% white, and discussions about racial diversity were often limited to the standard curriculum on Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. Because of this, I sometimes feel insecure about cultural gaps in my knowledge. I wanted to attend IMMAWII not just as an observer but as an active participant in a cultural space where I could listen, learn, and experience firsthand.

Before the event, I reflected on my perceptions. I expected to feel a bit uncomfortable and out of place but hopeful that the event would be welcoming. I anticipated a vibrant atmosphere, filled with music, storytelling, and rich history. I also thought about the potential discomfort of being in the racial minority in a space that wasn’t centered on my own identity. However, as Building Cultural Competence discusses, cultural immersion is necessary to break down barriers and develop true intercultural awareness (Morris, 2016). With that in mind, I went in with an open heart and a willingness to be corrected, if needed.

Attending IMMAWII was an incredibly engaging, fun, and educational experience. The festival was alive with music, spoken word performances, historical exhibits, and vibrant displays of African American culture. I took the time to engage with exhibitors, artists, and community members, learning about their experiences and perspectives. Instead of passively watching, I asked questions, listened, and allowed myself to fully take in the environment.

One of the most impactful moments for me was watching a live performance by a spoken word artist. The way they wove historical struggles and triumphs into their poetry was both moving and eye-opening. It reminded me of the importance of storytelling in shaping cultural identity and preserving history. I was also struck by the intergenerational presence at the event—elders sharing their wisdom, young artists displaying their talents, and families celebrating their shared heritage.

From an inclusion perspective, I noticed several components at play:

• Recognition of humanity: The event centered Black voices, history, and contributions in a way that was empowering rather than performative.
• Solidarity: The festival was open to everyone, emphasizing that Black history is American history and that understanding it benefits the entire community.
• Sense of belonging: Attendees of all backgrounds were invited to participate in discussions, dance to the music, and enjoy the culture without feeling like outsiders.
• Social justice principles: Many booths and discussions focused on ongoing struggles for racial equity, reinforcing the connection between history, culture, and activism.

One interaction that stood out was a conversation with an elder who had attended IMMAWII since its first year. She spoke about how representation matters, not just in history books but in everyday life. Her words reaffirmed a point made in the Building Cultural Competence reading: cultural engagement must be intentional and continuous rather than limited to single events (Morris, 2016). She encouraged me to keep showing up and learning, even when it feels unfamiliar.

The event hosts also implemented inclusive strategies that aligned with community development principles:

• ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development): The festival focused on empowering Black artists and entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and businesses.
• Power sharing: Discussions and panels were led by community members, ensuring that the narratives were authentic and not dictated by outside voices.
• Reflective practice: The event encouraged attendees to think critically about Black history and its continued impact today.
• Barrier removal: The festival was free to attend, ensuring that financial constraints didn’t exclude anyone.

Following this experience, I find myself reflecting on a few key questions:

1. How can I continue engaging with and supporting the Black community in Iowa beyond this single event?
2. What role do I play in making spaces more inclusive in my own circles?
3. How can we ensure that cultural events like IMMAWII are supported and sustained long-term?

From a Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity (DMIS) perspective, I feel that this experience pushed me further along the spectrum toward ethnorelativism (Bennett, 1993). I am now more comfortable engaging in cultural spaces outside my own and more willing to learn through direct experience rather than relying solely on external sources. As the Building Cultural Competence reading suggests, true cultural understanding comes from immersion, engagement, and ongoing learning (Morris, 2016).

Ultimately, my cultural plunge at I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa reinforced my belief in the importance of community, inclusion, and cultural competence. While I entered the event with some hesitation, I left feeling more informed, more connected, and more confident in my ability to engage respectfully in diverse spaces. This is only the beginning of my journey, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and contribute to building a more inclusive community.

References

• Bennett, M. J. (1993). Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity. Intercultural Development Research Institute.
• Morris, P. V. (2016). Building Cultural Competence. Purdue University.
• I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa. (n.d.). Retrieved from [IMMAWII website link].