DUNBAR HERITAGE ASSOCIATION
An African Heritage celebration filled the San Marcos Public Library with the sounds of drumming and other traditional music as the Dunbar Heritage Association hosted their third annual Kwanzaa celebration last weekend. Kwanzaa celebrations are centered around its seven principles: Umoja — unity, Kujichagulia — Self-Determination, Ujima — Collective Work and Responsibility, Ujamaa — Cooperative Economics, Nia — Purpose, Kuumba — Creativity and Imani — Faith, according to the DHA website.
The sounds of drums filled the air as Kelley Glover, Ph.D., demonstrated each instrument used traditionally in an African drum circle. She explained the historical context of each instrument and demonstrated how to play them, conducting the crowd into rhythmic improvised harmonies. From toddlers to seniors, there was no age limit to participate in the melodic drumming. Cheers roared after every successful drumming session. The music flowed almost methodically, but there had been no prior practice other than Glover’s introduction to each instrument. The applause from the musical merriment transitioned into gratitude for the DHA founders and volunteers who threw the Kwanzaa event. The closing remarks were filled with thank yous and appreciation for not only the organizers but all the attendees, educators and musicians who made the celebration a success.
