A Community Collaborations Event
Presented in partnership with the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication and African Studies Program.
There will be a panel discussion afterwards, followed by a reception with catering provided by 7 Spice.
Translation is an imaginative process that shapes meaning and expands perception. As values, experiences, and aspirations are shared through cultural and geographical space, new opportunities to understand our present and our future emerge. As of 2019, around 2 million immigrants from Africa were living in the United States — a number that has tripled since 2000. African immigrants account for around 30,000 people across the state of Iowa and the city of Cedar Rapids, in particular, is a hotspot for immigration.
The ISLE storytellers documented families living in the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area who emigrated from multiple countries in Africa. In doing so, the storytellers discovered three key themes: family, faith and farming. From forging connections with religious communities in the area to establishing farming practices to fill a produce gap for African immigrants, these families have played a hand in irrevocably shaping Iowa’s culture.
Rooted in Faith
Darius and Wealee Nupolu’s unwavering faith is the foundation of their community, agricultural success, and personal resilience. The couple seeks to serve as a crucial bridge between their home country of Liberia and Eastern Iowa by growing culturally relevant crops, donating produce, and assisting women farmers in Africa.
Two by Two
Wazy and Lydie Sato blend their cultural values across two countries and at two jobs— all while raising two sets of twins. The Satos have fused faith, fashion, music, and wellness into a vibrantly multicultural home.
A Call to Serve
Daniel Batige is the pastor of Conqueror’s Church, a French-language congregation based out of Cedar Rapids’ Radiant Church. Born a pastor’s son in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Daniel serves his family and community through the church.
Places to Belong
Togo-born Roger and Catherine spent many years in America before finding each other— both searching for a counterpart that could “dance on the same beat.” Ten years later, the couple has raised two children and support their community through their restaurant and non-profit that helps Togolese immigrants in the United States.
Iowa Stories and Lived Experiences (ISLE) is a multimedia documentary workshop experience offered through the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communication in collaboration with Midwest Connections. This 16-day inaugural workshop focused on exploring the cultural, economic, and political currents that shape the lives of African immigrants in Eastern Iowa.