African history taught through drums, dancing
In conjunction with Black History Month, students at Warren County High School were treated to a display of traditional African dance and drum techniques Friday.
“African Culture: Music, Dance and Storytelling” is a hands-on learning experience which allows students to learn traditional African rhythms through drum playing, African dance through executing dance movements, and African languages like Swahili through speaking. Approximately 50 students practiced these skills for several hours Friday morning before putting on a performance for their peers during an afternoon assembly.
“This program exposes, prepares and challenges kids to learn something they maybe never knew existed, to learn and appreciate the many beautiful cultures of Africa and the world,” said program coordinator and Nashville musician Mustafa Abdul-Aleem.
Through dancing and drumming, Abdul-Aleem said, his program is able reach students who might not otherwise learn African culture through traditional classroom measures. There are many different ways to teach a particular piece of material, he explained, and he strives to be a complimentary part of the educational system by making the learning process as joyful as possible.
But more than the teachings of a particular culture, Abdul-Aleem encourages students to acquire knowledge, to learn from experience and to learn from others.
“You have a choice. You can become wise or you can remain stupid. It’s up to you,” he said.
The workshop was brought to the school by African Culture University, an educational resource, established by Abdul-Aleem.