Arizona Daily Wildcat Online
sections
Front Page
News
Opinions
· Columnists
Sports
· Men's Hoops
Go Wild
Live Culture
Police Beat
Datebook
Comics
Crossword
Special Sections
Photo Spreads
Classifieds
The Wildcat
Letter to the Editor
Wildcat Staff
Search
Archives
Job Openings
Advertising Info
Student Media
Arizona Student Media Info
UATV -
Student TV
 
KAMP -
Student Radio
The Desert Yearbook
Daily Wildcat Staff Alumni

MLK Center recognizes leaders in drum ceremony


By Danielle Rideau
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Friday, February 11, 2005
Print this

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.



Write a Letter to the Editor
articles
Likins not leaving alone: 3 in cabinet to also retire in 2006
divider
ASUA urges state for more aid
divider
Town Hall to address med school expansion
divider
National black AIDS/HIV awareness day prompts discussion
divider
MLK Center recognizes leaders in drum ceremony
divider
Same sex couples to rally for rights on Sunday
divider
Online Exclusive: Healthy Heart Program Emphasizes Importance of New CPR
divider
Word Up
divider
Fast facts
divider
Police Beat
divider
Datebook
divider
Restaurant and Bar Guide
Housing Guide
Search for:
advanced search Archives

NEWS | SPORTS | OPINIONS | GO WILD
CLASSIFIEDS | ARCHIVES | CONTACT US | SEARCH



Webmaster - webmaster@wildcat.arizona.edu
© Copyright 2005 - The Arizona Daily Wildcat - Arizona Student Media