Cultural Identity
Michael Berger, Lauren Fuller, Hannah Page, Alexandra Skores
Embedded Files
"We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now." -Martin Luther King Jr.
Cultural identity is the identity or feeling of belonging to a group and is related to nationality, ethnicity, religion, social class, generation, locality or any kind of social group that has its own distinct culture.
Alexandra Skores
Born to a Peruvian mother and a Lithuanian father, I do not 'look' like I have a diverse background. I am considered a 'passing' identity. I grew up in a predominately white community in the suburbs of Chicago. Although I speak Spanish from my Peruvian background, I was never really exposed to diversity within my own community. Coming to the University of Iowa helped me see how many amazing cultures and lifestyles I had never learned of. I was fortunate enough to have been raised to a family appreciative of other cultures and backgrounds that I was able to embrace the diversity I was presented with immediately. While serving on our trip, I saw the day-to-day struggles many face with food insecurity, many of which are people of color. I really want to develop more programs for traditionally marginalized groups to get the support they need to put food on the table for their family.
Lauren Fuller
I define my cultural background more by my social groups, rather than my ethnicity. I was born into a middle class white family in a predominantly white community. I "belonged;" however, I always struggled to find my niche. Through activities like band, and choir, I found places where I truly felt apart of a community. When arriving to the University of Iowa, I initially struggled to find my new communities. As I started joining organizations like Alpha Delta Pi, and University Democrats, I have truly started finding where I belong on campus. Our trip to Indianapolis taught me so much about cultural identity as I became more aware of how ethnicity plays a role in food insecurity. It made me aware of just how privileged I am, but the trip also taught me how to use that privilege to help others in need. Being aware of how privilege plays a role in social issues allows people to truly understand why these issues can't be fixed easily.
Michael Berger
I am originally from Guatemala, and I was adopted by my two American parents. My cultural background is very interesting because my siblings and I are all adopted from somewhere around the globe. Growing up I lived in a middle class community. In school there weren't many other minorities or Hispanics so it was a little surprising to me when I arrived at University of Iowa. University of Iowa showed me how many different cultures there were. I soon became eager to get involved with organizations and to establish my own cultural identity in Iowa City. After going to Indianapolis I now have a new perspective about what can define someone's cultural identity. The people we worked with over spring break were all amazing and each person had a different cultural identity. From my interactions that I had while in Indianapolis I learned food insecurity doesn't fit into one cultural identity. It is a systemic issue that can impact anyone regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social class.
Hannah Page
My cultural background and identity are most prevalent when looking at the social groups I am a part of. Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, I attended private Christian elementary, middle, and high schools, and many of my values and identities have been shaped through my Christianity. Now, attending the University of Iowa, I have exercised my faith through service work. Organizations like Hawkeye Service Teams have allowed me to increase not only the number of hours of service I am involved with, but also has given me the knowledge on how to become a more Active Citizen through education on social issues. Going to Indianapolis this Spring Break, I found that food insecurity is a very real and daunting issue that has deep systemic roots. While there is little we can do in the short term to evade these issues, I hope to continue my education and service on food insecurity to create better, effecient, and lasting long term solutions.Demographics
- White not Hispanic or Latino: 55.9%
- Black or African American: 28.1%
- American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3%
- Asian: 3.0%
- Hispanic or Latino: 10.1%
Income and Poverty
- Median household income: $44,709
- Per capita income in past 12 months: $26,232
- Persons in poverty (percent): 20.1%
“U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Indianapolis City (Balance), Indiana; UNITED STATES.” Census Bureau QuickFacts, www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/indianapoliscitybalanceindiana,US/PST045218.
Culture: Through Service
Culture: Through Service
Our team was fortunate enough to encounter many amazing people that work day in and day out to serve others. The culture surrounding combating food insecurity in Indianapolis is expanding greatly.
Our team was fortunate enough to encounter many amazing people that work day in and day out to serve others. The culture surrounding combating food insecurity in Indianapolis is expanding greatly.
Wheeler Mission
Wheeler Mission
- Wheeler runs 3 shelters; one for women and children, another for men, and one for people struggling with addiction.
Midwest Food Bank
Midwest Food Bank
- A faith based organization in the Midwest that strives to distribute nearly $20 million dollars worth of food a month to non-profit food organizations.
Gleaners Food Bank
Gleaners Food Bank
- Gleaners Food Bank distributes large amounts of food to food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters all over the state of Indiana.
Wheeler Mission
Wheeler Mission
Meg and Anna help prepare food for the afternoon serving session at Wheeler Mission. Due to our team's service at Wheeler Mission, we helped feed 133 men during lunch.
Midwest Food Bank
Midwest Food Bank
Michael and Mariela load trucks full of food boxes. These boxes are transported across Indiana to organizations that will then distribute it to people who are food insecure.
Gleaners Food Bank
Gleaners Food Bank
Lauren, Meg, and Hannah are stationed in the Gleaners Food Pantry. Throughout this service event they would help people decide which foods to get.
Culture: Through Art
Culture: Through Art
Culture and expression depicted through the street art of of Indianapolis.
Weeds?
Weeds?
This mural was designed by an organization called Lilly Oncology on Canvas (LOOC) that encourages individuals that have been affected by cancer to depict their emotions through art. The seeds that hold strong to the stem are the ones that continue to endure the fight. This shows the support the community has for groups in need.
Swept Away
Swept Away
This mural depicts the rich history of the Broad Ripple village in Indianapolis. The artist Amy Rheinhart, says the work is supposed to depict how arts is a large part in the history of the culture within Indianapolis.
Pioneer Family
Pioneer Family
This sculpture serves as a tribute to former Indiana Congressman, Ralph Hill. The sculpture depicts the history of the US and reiterates the importance in which Indianapolis places upon history as a part of their culture.
Culture: Through Sites
Culture: Through Sites
Indianapolis culture is depicted through many sites throughout the city.
Square Cat Vinyl
Square Cat Vinyl
Square Cat Vinyl's mission is to be a space for any type of musician, no matter the genre they play, their age, or if they are local or not. The shop has records, live music, and a cafe to allow for a comfortable space for anyone. The music performed ranges from jazz to classical music. This variety allows anyone to find a live show/record they will enjoy.
Cafe Patachou
Cafe Patachou
Cafe Patachou is a restaurant with six different locations spread across Indiana. At Cafe Patachou they use the freshest fruits, vegetables, and meats being grown or raised in Indiana. They even have a their own foundation called Patachou Foundation Kitchens with a Mission. Their goal is to fight against food insecurity by providing nutrient dense meals to families who need it.
Central Canal
Central Canal
For St. Patrick's Day, Indianapolis dyes the Central Canal green. They also dye the Canal to celebrate other communities as well. In April, they dye the Canal teal in support of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In September, the river is turned orange by the Indiana Latino Institute to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Awareness month. Lastly, in October, the Canal is dyed pink to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Google Sites
Report abuse