Sounding the drum for cultural diversity

Robert H. Becker Arizona Daily Wildcat Dr. Jesse Hargrove, Assistant Dean of African American Student Affairs, speaks to the people gathered for the 8th International "Sounding of the Drum" Ceremony at the African American Cultural Resource Center Friday. People use the drum as an expression of hope and betterment for society and the world.

Kicking off African American History Month, the Eighth International Sounding of the Drum Ceremony invited students, educators and other community members to answer the question, "Why do you sound the drum?" said Robin Lemon-Soape, program coordinator f or African American Student Affairs.

About 25 people took turns rapping three times on a drum and expressing their wishes for a better society in 20-second statements.

Lemon-Soape said many people sound the drum for world peace and for moving through the 20th century in harmony.

"I sound the drum for the world to hear - I sound the drum for peace throughout the year," said Jesse Hargrove, assistant dean for African American Student Affairs.

Hargrove said the purpose was to bring people together to celebrate culture.

"And what better way to celebrate than with the sound of a drum," he said.

Hargrove said the drum is symbolic of one's desires and expectations for a better society, world and community.

"The drum is a symbol of common ground," he said. "Virtually every culture has some aspect of drumming in it."

Hargrove said the ceremony's theme, "From Dreams to Building Bridges," symbolized his hope that bridges can be built across cultures.

Associated Students President Rhonda Wilson, this year's honorary sounder said, "I sound the drum for all of the students of today, for they are the hope of tomorrow."

Wilson said she thinks it is important to remind people of the struggles of the past.

"There are cultural differences on the campus, but it is a positive thing," she said. "Our differences should be appreciated."

University of Arizona students who participated expressed an importance for others to participate in cultural activities.

"It's important to appreciate and not to tolerate," said Nicole Stephens, language, reading and culture graduate student. "I don't want anyone to tolerate me, I want them to appreciate me."

She said it is important to recognize and appreciate aspects of different cultures.

Electrical engineering junior Brian Debnam, who represented UA's Omega Psi Phi fraternity, said he sounded the drum because he hoped he could be a role model for younger generations.

"The young people here are the future," he said. "Possibly, my appearance might influence some of the younger kids to go to college."

Bus-loads of high school students were also in attendance and found the ceremony both educational and rewarding.

"Just being at an event like this is intellectually and spiritually stimulating," Cleveland Harris, a sophomore at Amphitheater High School, said to the crowd when he sounded the drum.

The Sounding of the Drum ceremony originated Feb. 16, 1990 with the dedication of the UA's African American Cultural Resource Center.