Passing the joy

Deirdre Newman

NEWPORT BEACH -- The deep resonance of drumbeats reverberated through

the halls of Newport Elementary School on Thursday morning as an African

American theater ensemble paid tribute to Black History Month.

The event is the first of many cultural enrichment celebrations the

Newport Beach school plans to present, thanks to the efforts of parent

Kelly Waterman.

The school has a sparse African American population, and Waterman said

her children have mentioned that they feel out of place at times. The

events aimed to foster a spirit of diversity and tolerance throughout the

school to familiarize students with other cultures, she said.

“I think everyone should be aware because once [the students] leave

Newport Elementary, it could be a whole different story,” Waterman said.

The celebration started out on an emotional note as singing sensation

Brandijo Kistler, a sixth-grader, belted out “America the Beautiful,”

followed by the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

“It’s totally different than our music,” Brandijo said. “So I tried to

put my own feeling into it, and it’s about slaves so I tried to feel what

they felt.”

Then the performing group Azikwe, which means king, captivated the

students with its dancing and drumming. The dancers taught the students

some African lyrics and dance moves, and soon the whole auditorium was

shaking and shimmying to the beat.

“I thought it was really great,” said Daniel Morris, a sixth-grader.

“I learned a new dance I can impress my mom and dad with. I think it’s

good that they’re going to teach us new cultures every month.”

The performers also said they enjoy the opportunity to bring African

culture to schools.

“For me to be an African American and play the drums from West Africa,

it’s nice to pass that along, to give the same joy to someone else,” said

Thomas Kelley, director.

* Deirdre Newman covers education. She may be reached at (949)

574-4221 or by e-mail at o7 deirdre.newman@latimes.comf7 .