Bembé Drum & Dance

Bembé Drum & Dance is a US nonprofit organization established in 2015. It is a community-based cultural arts organization that promotes intergenerational connection, community building, and cultural identity exploration through Afro-Latinx arts.

History and Purpose

Founded by Johanna De Los Santos, a Milwaukee native and parent, the organization was initially created to provide arts education programs that emphasized the African cultural lineage within the Latino community. The program began as an extracurricular activity in Milwaukee Public Schools and has since expanded to offer various cultural events and activities.

Programs and Activities

Bembé Drum & Dance offers dance and music classes, focusing on traditional Afro-Latino percussion and dance traditions from countries such as Puerto Rico, Brazil, Cuba, and Colombia. The organization provides intergenerational workshops and music-as-therapy programs, intending to foster a sense of cultural pride and community engagement.

Bembé also hosts cultural events like bombazos, an Afro-Puerto Rican tradition that involves community performances of the bomba dance and music. These events are often free and include complimentary cultural foods, aiming to make cultural experiences accessible to a wide audience.

Impact

Bembé Drum & Dance has attracted thousands of youth, parents, and community members through its school-based programs and community performances. The organization collaborates with local and international artists for community events, enhancing cultural understanding and exchange.

Additionally, Bembé has conducted research on the impact of drumming and cultural connectedness on mental health and stress reduction, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of its arts programs.

Mission and Values

The mission of Bembé Drum & Dance is to inspire cultural identity exploration and strengthen community bonds through Afro-Latinx musical culture. It emphasizes the importance of preserving ancestral traditions while providing intergenerational learning opportunities.

By promoting cultural competence and inclusivity, Bembé aims to enrich the lives of participants and ensure that Afro-Latinx traditions remain vibrant and integral to the lives of future generations.