By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Whenever adults can reach out and connect with inner city youth in a positive way, whether it?s teaching them to play sports, appreciate science and math or excel in arts and entertainment, I?m all about it.
That?s why I was impressed with the new documentary
?River City Drumbeat? from award-winning filmmakers
Anne Flatte (?Serenade for Haiti?) and
Marlon Johnson (?Symphony in D?).
It may sound cliched, but one person really can make a difference in someone?s life.
In ?River City Drumbeat? that person is Ed ?Nardie? White, who inspires, nurtures, and genuinely cares about the young people in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
White didn?t grow up with much, but along with his wife Zambia Nkrumah, his pride, drive and love of the drums is what made him such a unique and respected person in Louisville where he created the River City Drum Corp and inspired numerous kids, from ages 5-18, to appreciate music and playing the drums.
Most important, it?s the life lessons that White instills in many of these kids that set them on a solid path to achieve far bigger and better things than they imagined possible.
Young guys like Jailen Leavell, who could have been just another black kid unable to escape his poor environment. Instead, thanks to the mentoring from White, Leavell makes everyone proud by going to college and making something of his life.
In addition to Leavell, ?River City Drumbeat? focuses on Albert Shumake, one of the first students White taught to play the drums. Although a troubled youth, Shumake has a good heart and is dedicated to caring for his seriously ill mother in between his drum playing.
Imani is a high-school senior and Emily a middle-schooler who credit the River City Drum Corp for turning their lives around.
White?s drum corps has had such a profound effect on Shumake that he plans to build upon the fine tradition and foundation that White established now that the music leader is set to retire after a 30-year career.
There are still more kids that need the very direction, structure, and purpose like Shumake had and who need to understand that there are other avenues for them to pursue other than sports.
?River City Drumbeat? is a fascinating character study and righteous documentary that shows what is possible with proper guidance and the will to succeed.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 6:20 p.m. on radio station KFBK 1530 AM and 93.1 FM.
Check Out This Trailer For
"RIVER CITY DRUMBEAT"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics? Association (BFCA), The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC), The Alliance Of Women Film Journalists (AWFJ) and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
