What if history lessons were taught through music? What if you could learn about the people and cultures that have shaped a vibrant city like Milwaukee while moving to drum beats? This blending of musical heritage with stories of the traditions of the African diaspora is at the heart of a performing arts program in Milwaukee called Bembé Drum and Dance. First started by a parent who wanted to meet a need for more inclusive arts programming for youth of color, the group has spent the past eight years building partnerships with local public schools and community organizations to expand programs. Bembé' now produces several large public performances, including Bembé’s Brazilian Carnaval in March, Día de Los Muertos in November, and Fiesta Navideña in December. All of their public performances are free.
Wisconsin Humanities has been proud to support Bembé's work through our grant program. In 2022 Bembé received a Major grant for "Journey the Atlantic [Viajando el Atlántico]." The uniquely integrated curriculum spans the school year and students "travel" from West Africa through the historical migration of culture across the Atlantic to countries in South and Central America, the Caribbean, and the U.S. By exploring rhythm and dance forms, students are also learning geography and history. As the program progresses, musical and dance techniques advance alongside a more nuanced understanding of personal identity. Public performances build toward the final showcase in the spring, Journey the Atlantic, which took place in May of 2023 in Milwaukee.
We caught up with Imani Jalil, the current Program Director of Bembé Drum and Dance in Milwaukee to learn more about how this year's program went.
WH: What would you like people to know about the work that Bembé Drum and Dance does?
Jalil: Bembé Drum and Dance is a community-based, cultural performing arts organization in the city of Milwaukee that inspires music and dance performance skills, intergenerational connection, and cultural identity exploration through Afro-Latino musical culture. Bembé values sharing the history and cultural significance of Afro-Latino musical traditions, primarily with youth in Milwaukee and the greater community, by sharing this information through our public workshops, free performances, and special events, all open to the community.
WH: How has the Journey the Atlantic / Viajando el Atlántico project impacted the community?
Jalil: This educational production and its’ programming takes participants and the audience on a journey from West Africa to South America and the Caribbean through West African and Afro-Latino music and dance, teaching them about the history of the Transatlantic slave trade and how this affected music and dance of the African diaspora. The show is narrated by youth voices who are participants of our programs year-round, and historical context for the musical traditions is shared with audience members before they get to enjoy the rhythms and movement of various countries, such as Brazil, Colombia, Cuba and Puerto Rico. Testimony from participants, including youth, families, guest performers and community members, as well as audience members, has allowed us to witness the impact Journey the Atlantic / Viajando el Atlántico has had on the greater community. Many participants are learning this information for the first time or are excited to have learned new information about the history, cultures, and particularly the music, instruments and dance of the African Diaspora, how they came to be and how they exist in our world today. Many attendees are able to make a strong connection to what they’re seeing and experiencing on stage through their own heritage, culture or experience.
WH: For students, or people attending a public event, what can they expect to experience with Bembé projects?
Jalil: Attendees of our public performances will experience live Afro-Latino music, song, and dance performed by our Bembé youth, teen, and adult student participants, teaching artist staff, guest artists, and community members. Many of our events also offer an open space where attendees have the opportunity to engage in interactive drumming, dancing, singing, improvisation, and more. Our events are welcoming and community-based. All are encouraged to attend and participate or simply enjoy!
WH: What did funding from WH allow you to do?
Jalil: Wisconsin Humanities funding made a great impact on our production of Journey the Atlantic / Viajando el Atlántico, including the opportunity for Bembé to bring new guest artists and educators, local and out-of-state, to Milwaukee to be part of the show. Bembé students had the opportunity to learn from these artists and we were better able to foster our values of intergenerational connection and learning from the elders in these traditions, and the community had the opportunity to experience these incredible artists on stage. The funding also allowed us to expand our project in many ways, with additional programming and events around Journey the Atlantic / Viajando el Atlantico taking place throughout the year.
WH: What’s next for Bembé?
Jalil: Bembé is excited for our summer programming, as we will be partnering with various community organizations and participating/performing as part of many community events this year. We also plan to welcome a new master artist to Milwaukee soon as part of our “Learning from the Masters” project and look forward to sharing this programming with the community, and hopefully having this artist as part of our next “Journey the Atlantic” show!
WH: How can people support your work?
Jalil: People can go to our website at www.proyectobembe.org for more information about supporting our programs. They can also find us on social media, on Facebook at Bembé Drum and Dance and on Instagram at @bembedrum
We also encourage the Milwaukee community and beyond to participate in our public year-round drum and dance workshops for youth, teens and adults, no experience required, or attend one of our public events or performances! All are welcome!
We invite you to learn more about Wisconsin Humanities grant program here!
