Malcolm X Park DC Drum and Dance Circle
Flyers created and designed by Ms. Afrika Abney
Photography by Ms. Afrika Abney. Malcolm X Park in 2015.
From 2009 - 2015,Ms. Abney provided services for Malcolm X Park DC Drum and Dance Circle. She does not post every photo that was taken of her. Ms. Abney left in 2015 and has not returned back since 2015.
Please note that if you search for photos of Ms. Abney during that time that she has thrown or given away all of the items depicted in the photos.
From 2009 - 2015, Ms. Afrika Abney provided services for Malcolm X Park DC Drum and Dance Circle. Workshops designed for children and adults.
Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical context for each dance with a ½ hour warm-up, and energetic dance movements. Students learned a variety of West African Dances, cultural and historical within the context for each dance.
Photograph found on the Internet
R.I.P - Mamadi Nyasuma
"Mamadi Nyasuma from Washington DC, was a genius of a man who blessed us as a friend, activist, musician, percussionist, writer, lecturer, teacher, producer, poet, artist, and father.
Photograph found on the Internet
R.I.P Baba Ngoma, Father Drum.
...
"Baba Ngoma exposed children to the language of the drum, bringing out their God given genius expressed through rhythm and dance.
Baba Ngoma traveled to Pipestone, MN to offer his drumming to Native American sun dancers. He has selflessly served the community for more than 40 years. Baba N'goma has taught the young and the old, and performed at many celebrations. He has shared the rhythms and songs of our African ancestors at countless programs, weddings and rituals throughout the international community. He sadly transitioned on March 15, 2008. "
Photograph by Ms. Afrika Abney
2005
R.I.P Master Drummer Doc Barnett Williams
"Barnett Edward Williams, 61, a percussionist who lived his life to the beat of African drums and who loved sharing the drumming tradition with other enthusiasts, died March 4,2006 of a heart attack at the home in the District where he was born. He was a District resident."
Considered one of the elders of the drumming circle, he started drumming at the historic park along 16th Street NW in 1967, when he was 11."
Photograph by Ms. Afrika Abney
2015
Doc Powell is originally from Atlantic City NJ and one of the main coordinators of the creative activities on those Sundays in Malcolm X Park, rounds out the troupe and acts as the Music Director, producer, and lead drummer for the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers. He is an alumnus of Howard University.
Photograph found on the Internet
R.I.P. Tony Duncanson
Tony Duncanson was a Master Percussionist who played for years with Gil Scott Heron and many others has recently passed. He frequently visited Malcolm X Park, Takoma Park and other venues.