DRUMS UP GUNS DOWN
MILWAUKEE 414 CHAPTER
​
The Milwaukee chapter of Drums Up Guns Down (DUGD 414) is committed to uniting the youth of Milwaukee through the powerful and enriching traditions of West African arts. Our chapter builds on the strong foundation laid by the Drums Up Guns Down program in Knoxville, Tennessee, aiming to break the cycle of gun violence by fostering community, creativity, and cultural awareness.
​​
Our mission is to lead in the endeavor to unite the youth of Milwaukee through traditional West African arts,which include but are not limited to, West African drum, dance, theater,etc. We will draw upon the skills of various communities,National,and international artists to aid us in this endeavor. We aim to foster a sense of camaraderie among the city's youth in order to quell the violence in our neighborhoods.
​
Our Vision for DUGD 414
In partnership with the Drums Up Guns Down flagship in Knoxville, Tennessee, our program is inspired by the vision of Obayana Ajanaku — seeking to stop the cycle of gun violence in Milwaukee by providing our youth with positive, life-enhancing activities. Through the arts, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment where young people can express themselves, develop new skills, and build strong, lasting connections.
​
About Milwaukee African Drum and Dance (M.A.D.D)
Milwaukee African Drum and Dance (M.A.D.D) is a collaborative group dedicated to educating, uplifting, and unifying the community through the traditions of the African diaspora. Founded in April 2020, amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic and the nationwide George Floyd protests, M.A.D.D. emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience. Our group of artists came together to share the rich art and culture of West African drum and dance at drum circles, community classes, and protests throughout Milwaukee.
​
M.A.D.D. provides education about African culture and traditions through artistic and interactive performances, classes, and workshops rooted in West African dance and percussion. We are dedicated to encouraging community healing by offering productive outlets that reduce tension, anxiety, and stress within the community.​
THE DRUM PROGRAM
​
Over the course of four weeks, participants in the Drums Up Guns Down Milwaukee Chapter will study, experience, and perform traditional West African drum and dance rhythms, while also learning about the rich history and culture associated with these traditions. Each participant will receive a drum to take home, ensuring they always have access to their instrument.
Weekly Activities
Every Saturday, we will host Drums Up Guns Down open jam circles at various Milwaukee County Parks, providing a communal space for participants to practice, perform, and connect with others through drumming.
Curriculum Focus
The program will emphasize traditional West African rhythms and dances from Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and Ivory Coast. Students will also explore indigenous drumming and dancing traditions from around the world.
​
Holistic Benefits
Through the process of learning to drum and dance, participants will experience emotional healing, gain innovative physical workouts, and develop effective communication and problem-solving skills. Group drumming brings people together in a non-competitive space, promoting healing, empowerment, teamwork, community building, and overall well-being.
Key Benefits
-
Releases stored tension
-
Reduces patterns of anxiety and depression
-
Improves social skills
-
Builds community diversity among participants
-
Develops musicality and musical confidence
-
Teaches the power of mindfulness and meditation
-
Unveils a natural sense of well-being and joy
-
Promotes creative expression
-
Creates a safe space to explore social, emotional, and group harmony issues
-
Develops healthy and happy minds
-
Makes life fun!
​
Program Completion Rewards
Upon completing the four-week program, students will receive:
- Their own drum kit
- Access to a dedicated mobile app
- African dance attire
- Year-round support from instructors and program mentors
​
CONTACT
414 CHAPTER HISTORY ​
The idea to collaborate and launch the Milwaukee chapter of Drums Up Guns Down (DUGD 414) comes from Sherice "Oju" Charleston, a Milwaukee resident deeply impacted by the trauma of gun violence. Oju has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of gun violence, losing her long-time friend/brother in 2019, along with several cousins, friends, and other family members, many of whom were under the age of 25. The rapid increase in gun violence in Milwaukee has been a painful reality for her community.
On July 19, 2022, Oju's long-time friend was senselessly shot and killed in a road rage incident while driving with his children in the car to a birthday party. Most recently, at the end of the year, her 18-year-old cousin was shot and killed right outside her home. These tragic events fueled Oju's determination to find a solution to the violence plaguing her city.
During a visit to Knoxville in 2022, Oju met Obayana Ajanaku, the founder of Drums Up Guns Down. They discussed the violence and trauma Oju had witnessed in Milwaukee. Obayana shared the vision of his group, which aims to use traditional drumming as a tool for emotional healing and violence prevention. Inspired by this vision, Oju and Obayana decided to collaborate and bring Drums Up Guns Down to Milwaukee.
The leadership team of DUGD 414 includes Oju, Obayana, and community musicians Deonte Ellis, Cecilo Negron Jr., KeShawn Mitcum, along with dance instructors Tina Lee, Sydney Thomas, and Adrean Maxwell. Together, they aim to create a unified, worldwide organization dedicated to using the power of traditional drumming to address the root causes of violence.
​
The Power of Drumming
The Djembe, a traditional West African drum, has its origins with the "numu," a social class of professional blacksmiths from the Mandinka people around 1300 AD. The term “djembe” comes from the Bambara saying “Anke djé, anke bé,” which means “Everyone Gather Together in Peace.” Traditional drumming has always been a tool for dealing with anger, frustration, and trauma. Drum circles create positive diversity, helping people deconstruct biases and engage in collaborative growth.
Obayana Ajanaku saw an opportunity to create a program offering workable alternatives to violence for youth and young adults in Knoxville. Recognizing similar challenges in Milwaukee, the DUGD 414 program aims to provide enriching experiences that help prevent youth from becoming perpetrators or victims of gun violence. According to Milwaukee County public police records, there have been 205 cases of gun violence, including 40 homicides, since the beginning of the year.
​
Sherice "Oju" Charleston (pictured right) with Drums Up Guns Down Founder, Obayana Ajanaku.
JOIN THE CIRCLE
The Circle is a special place for supporters like you to join us in our mission to keep our youth safe by the beat of the drum. Subcribe for updates on our events, success stories, and how you can keep the beat going.