An Experience To REMEMBER!

On Wednesday January 27, Duke Ellington was visited by Asher Ru, Jabba a South African rapper, and John Chambers the creator of Bloom Bars in Columbia Heights. It was about 2:10, when the men walked into the school's media center to talk to the Literary Media and Communication Department. The students hushed after a teacher said, "Peace", which means attention. Jabba, a South African rapper, in The United States, with a cultural exchange, by Bloom Bars, sat quietly observing the kids, as his own song was displayed on a screen.
Ater he explained what the song was about, the students were handed work books from Asher Ru. Asher Ru has a new program that he created called H.E.L.P., to help kids with skills, using song lyrics. Listening to Keledimo by HHP and Nas, the kids witnessed another culture's language and musical product. The students then, filled out the H.E.L.P booklet, answering questions about Author's Purpose and figuring out what quotes from different artist meant. John Chambers, talked to them about his non profit organization, Bloom Bars. "Bloom Bars, bloom people to their full potiental!", said John. Bloom Bars is located in Columbia Heights. They have activities for people in the morning, to learn about music, like guitars, prayer drums, and etc.
When the presentation was over, the students were asked how they felt about what they just witnessed. Some thanked them for bringing the cultural experience to them, others just sat, but you could see they were interested in everything that was going on. At about 3:30, the rest of the school got to see these artist in the Duke Theater. As, students took their seats, cameras were being set up on the stage and instruments were being brought out. Jabari, a Literary Media alumni, opened up the show, with a prayer drum. Asher Ru, came out and got the crowd pumped, with his rap styles. Introducing some up and coming rappers, that attend the school, Donnie a senior in the Literary Department, Marcus a junior in the Literary department, and Felix a junior in the Instrumental Music Department. The students performed a song by Wale featuring Jazmin Sullevin "World Tour". Jabba was introduced, to the students and begin to react with them.
He performed songs of impowerment and told quick stories, that helped the students understand what his songs were about. A pianoist from South Africa, a bass player, and Jabari on the drums, helped set the mood for the fun and informing afternoon assembly. When it was all said and done, I think the students learned more than they bargained for.