Last Friday, February 6 in the Wallace-Dutra Amphitheater, the Distinguished Ladies led by their President, Aja Johnson, invited the multicultural music and movement community group, Boom Shake Music to lead the empowerment of the people of black and African descent through the first Drum Circle Workshop in celebration of Black History month.
This event was attended by UC Merced students who showed their solidarity with the African people in their constant struggle against systematic violence and oppression.
Singing, dancing, and drumming as their hearts beat with movement and rhythm, students remained steadfast amidst the heavy downpour of rain.
Drum Circle workshop served to empower and build unity among people of black and African descent; it emphasized the artistic reflection of the rich heritage and many cultural contributions of the African people to human history.
More importantly, Drum Circle aimed to recollect the African people’s struggles and strengthen their unity where young people, equipped with drums and beats, gather and honor their ancestors.
Second year Molecular Biology major, Noella Bih, said that “through music, we are able to express our culture and ourselves, and share our story. We are remembering those who didn’t get to live to see us where we are now.”
Performing and resident artist of Boom Shake Music, Tossie Long said of the event, “Black lives matter, that’s’ what this is about. We use song and we use drum to reignite what is the truth of us, songs to help us self-soothe to these terrible times.”
One of the facilitators, Nkei Oruche, mentioned, “It’s inspiring to be able to do this workshop and get young people interested in using music as their tool for their survival.
It was inspiring talking to students who share their connection between music and creating change in their environment and in their lives.”
Nadine Apilado
Staff Writer
napilado@ucmerced.edu