Drum roll, please.

Distinguished community leaders were recognized at yesterday's 16th annual sounding of the drums ceremony to honor the winners of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Leadership Award.

Sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center, the ceremony featured musicians from the Song Hai Drummers, who played traditional African music at the ceremony outside the Student Union Memorial Center, 1303 E. University Blvd.

The sounding of the drums is a symbol of communicating "desires, thoughts and feelings for a better society and world," said Alex Wright, director of African-American Student Affairs.

As drum beats sounded in the background, the nominees, which included UA students, Tucson high school students and other community members, were individually called on stage and asked to describe what they hoped for in today's society.

Wanda Buchanan, nominee and Tucson resident, said it is "important for people to express their views in a public setting because everyone should share and respect others' thoughts and views."

Bernie Starks, a 1974 UA graduate, beat the drum for "world peace and a love of all mankind," he said.

A high school student who was recognized for being an athletic leader sounded the drum for all the "little kids who need a role model," and said he wished he had someone to look up to when he was growing up.

Wright said a public venue like the sounding of the drum is important.

"It does wonders about raising people's social consciousness. People need to be grateful and acknowledge positive things in personal lives and show gratitude to others," Wright said.

This ceremony began in 1990 with the dedication of the UA's African-American Cultural Resource Center, and has become the traditional opening to Black History Month in February, according to a press release.