Cultural Relevance: Powwow in East Point
"No matter how bad your day was, when you put your head on your pillow, remember you survived the day and the sun will rise again tomorrow."
Over the past six weeks in my Cultural Relevance and Awareness class, I've learned about how culture shows up in the world around us—through business, design, and many other aspects of life. I've also explored how the meaning of culture shifts depending on the context. Today, I had the opportunity to experience culture in a very tangible way. One of my students, Jala, invited me to attend a Powwow with her at the East Point City Hall as part of her World Music course assignment at Clark Atlanta University. Knowing how much I enjoy diverse and new experiences, she thought I would be the perfect person to accompany her.
I hadn't been to a Powwow since I was a child in California. Back then, Powwows were common in my hometown, and I remember watching Indigenous people in their traditional clothing, dancing and playing music late into the night. This event brought back those memories while allowing me to appreciate the experience through a more mature and reflective lens.
One of the things I loved most about this Powwow was how inclusive it felt. At no point did I feel like an outsider; there was an open invitation to be curious, ask questions, and learn. At one point, I asked one of the staff members about the traditional dances—specifically, how participants decided which dance to perform, since each had such distinct movements and attire. He explained that their mothers often inspired the young girls' dance style. Some wore shawls representing the butterfly dance, while others wore dresses adorned with jingling metal cones, symbolizing resilience and strength. Those dancers moved proudly, their chests lifted with confidence and grace.
Watching participants of all ages dance was a powerful reminder of how culture is carried across generations. Each dancer seemed to move with a deep sense of pride, representing their families and heritage. The creativity and individuality displayed through their clothing were incredible—one teenage dancer even had a beautifully beaded Hello Kitty emblem on her headdress, blending traditional artistry with modern personality.
Beyond the dancing, the event featured vendors selling handmade crafts, animal hides, and even taxidermy displays. One vendor showcased traditional settler-style clothing and had a handmade tent supported by tree branches. The live drumming, singing, and spoken messages throughout the day were uplifting and positive.
Overall, the Powwow was an inspiring experience that reminded me that culture is not static—it evolves, adapts, and continues to connect people through art, tradition, and shared humanity. It deepened my appreciation for cultural expression and the importance of spaces where everyone feels welcome to observe, learn, and celebrate.
To top it all off, I tried a Native American taco, which was absolutely delicious! It consisted of frybread topped with ground beef, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. The frybread wasn't sweet or overly savory, and its texture was just right—soft, slightly chewy, and perfectly balanced.
We will be back next year!
More information about this event can be found here.