DRUMMING4THEANCESTORS 2018
The beauty of the African culture in most black communities has unfortunately faded or was never properly developed or introduced. Most black families have no clue of their historical value or their history; outside of the fact that we were slaves. Unfortunately this mere fact is true however it is not even remotely close to the only truth! You see there is a lack of education of our cultural, our cultural traditions, and also a lack of understanding of the POWER within this culture. Our Ancestors (The Original People) came with a story and a way of living that was taken from them with purpose while they were in bondage. One of those things that was taken away was the African drumming which outside of its healing properties could be used as a form of communication. The healing that this drum provides would be highly beneficial within the Black communities. Below is a list of the very things that plague our communities but that could be healed by tapping into some of our Ancestral Power; that power being the African Drum.
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AFFLICTIONS OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY
Hypertension
ADD
ADHD
Violence
Anger & Rage
Stagnation
BENEFITS OF THE AFRICAN DRUM INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):
Positive Stimulation of the Nervous System
Improves Depression, ADHD, and Behavioral Problems in our Youth
Increases Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence
Improves Coordination and Motor Skills
Encourages Self-Expression
Decreases Anxiety and Stress
Decrease Anger and Aggression
MY STORY
My first encounter as a Black Woman in the black community where I dwell came as a result of a white woman who frequently held these circles in another community not far from my home. I remember entering her home for my first circle and I was shocked that I was the only black person in attendance. There had to have been 20 women there and not one, other than myself, was a person of color. After my first encounter I fell in love with African Drum and made it my business to seek out a place where I could purchase a djembe. I began to seek out other drumming circles and although I did find them to my surprise black people still were not showing up. The majority of the people in attendance were white. So I said well let me bring my own people of color and most of them refused.
Our stuff was openly being embraced by large populations of Europeans and other nationalities. Native Americans were even nonexistent. I was determined to find groups of black folk who were drumming together so I began to search high and low across the states and what I saw was baffling. The African Drumming Circles were not only being occupied with non-African participants, they were even largely facilitated by non-African leaders. The culture of Us, the traditions of Us was being embraced by everyone except Us! The Black Community was openly being left out of drumming and the benefits whether through ignorance, omission, or lack of accessibility. In the meantime our communities continued to suffer from the above mentioned plagues while other communities are reaping the benefits of things indigenous to our culture. The medicine and answers that we seek out from doctors and/or mental health clinicians can be found through more natural means like African Drumming.
Please be advised: This event may or may not start on time. In the past there were circumstances beyond our control that prevented us from starting on time. Please bring a spirit of understanding and patience with you as you come to share in this event designed to Honor Our Ancestors.
