Father's Day with the Drummers

The first time I played my very own djembe was the day before Mother's Day this year. I had a chance to do it again on Father's Day. After an event I had planned to attend that day got canceled without notification, I decided to join in on the 63rd Street Beach Drum Circle, which has come together at the same spot for over 40 years. I was excited since I missed the chance to play the day before at a Juneteenth event. Thankfully, I still had my djembe in the car.

What was only supposed to be a few minutes of drumming for me turned into 4 hours. I was having so much fun that I lost track of time. I had been watching the drummers for years, and that day I got to be part of something special while learning from the elders who are also fathers.

I will never forget the words of wisdom from an elder and drummer named Lorenzo not long after I started drumming that afternoon: "The more confidence you have in yourself, the better you will become." I took his advice and saw results. So, I will carry those words with me everywhere.