Preserving Culture & Identity
In Austin, Texas, the Iraqi American community is growing yet remains relatively underrepresented in the cultural landscape. Many families, especially second-generation Iraqis, face a gradual disconnect from their heritage due to assimilation pressures, language loss, and the absence of visible cultural spaces or programs that reflect their roots. Iraqi youth often grow up without a full understanding of their ancestry, history, or traditions, missing out on the rich legacy of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
Cultural preservation efforts are fragmented, with little infrastructure or support to systematically pass on language, art, folklore, music, foodways, and collective memory. At the same time, there is growing interest among young Iraqi Americans and multicultural allies in rediscovering, celebrating, and sharing authentic cultural expressions. Austin’s diverse and vibrant cultural scene presents a valuable opportunity for representation, education, and bridge-building.
We envision a future where Iraqi Americans in Austin, especially youth, are deeply connected to their cultural heritage and actively share it with the broader community. Iraqi culture will not only be preserved, but will thrive as a source of identity, pride, and contribution within the American mosaic.
Through accessible programs, cultural events, language education, and storytelling, Shako Mako will serve as a cultural anchor; helping families reconnect with their roots, empowering youth with a strong sense of self, and inviting others to experience the richness of Iraqi heritage. We want the name “Iraqi” to evoke art, hospitality, wisdom, and resilience, not just headlines of conflict.
How We’ll Get There (Our Approach):
Community-Driven Programming: We’ll offer Arabic and Iraqi dialect classes, music and dance workshops, storytelling circles, and cooking sessions that engage people from all ages.
Cultural Celebrations and Events:
From Eid, Ramadan, Christmas, New Year, and Nowruz gatherings to Iraqi Art Nights and public festivals, we will create safe, joyous, and proud spaces to honor our traditions.
Educational Outreach:
Collaborating with schools, libraries, and cultural institutions, we will introduce Iraqi culture into mainstream community life.
Digital Preservation:
We will document oral histories, record traditions, and produce bilingual content that makes Iraqi identity visible and accessible for future generations.
Youth Empowerment:
We will train and support youth leaders as cultural ambassadors to carry the torch forward.
Short-Term Expected Outcomes
- Increased attendance in cultural classes and workshops (Arabic, music, dance, cooking).
- Creation and distribution of cultural media (videos, stories, podcasts).
- A strong volunteer base formed around cultural preservation.
- Development of signature events (e.g., Iraqi Cultural Festival, Storytelling Night).
Long-Term Expected Outcomes
- Iraqi heritage is celebrated and actively passed down to future generations in the diaspora.
- Increased participation of youth in cultural and civic life through cultural literacy.
- A nationally recognized hub for Iraqi American cultural expression and preservation.