Village Rhythms
Diverse youth in a community drumming circle

Youth / Single Parent

Building Global Bridges for Youth

Support Program for Biracial, Divorced, and Adoptive Families — Group Drumming and Soul Talk

Youth drumming program
Onye with youth participants
Onye Onyemaechi portrait
Lodi article feature

Skills We Consider

  • Discovering identity and self-worth
  • Truth telling
  • Vision and insights
  • Power, purpose, and freedom
  • Respect, responsibility, and maturity

Any interested biracial and/or adoptive parents or social agencies are welcome to coordinate and promote this program. Circle meetings are scheduled upon request and customized for the participants.

Contact

707-528-4458[email protected]

Open today 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Call daytime hours USA Pacific Time.

Support Program

Group Drumming and Soul Talk

Coping with the challenges that face biracial, divorced, and adoptive families — especially for single parents — requires strength, perspective, and social tools. Single parents often feel guilty for perceived shortcomings such as depriving their children of a two-parent household and its perceived ability to provide more personal attention and quality of care.

Single parents act as role models by exhibiting ethical behavior for their children, navigating life's challenges, handling emergencies, and teaching their children to thrive in their individual roles in a complex society. Children are often confronted with identity and emotional crises, abandonment and trust issues, and ultimately a lack of belonging in the communities in which they find themselves.

In this circle gathering, I apply the knowledge and wisdom from my indigenous and personal experiences to empower, encourage, and uplift the human spirit. Individuals will learn power drumming with the goal of achieving a positive attitude toward life. As we drum and tell our stories, participants learn how to channel their energies in a positive way, develop good social and leadership skills, and relate to each other in a cooperative and respectful manner.

Experience

About Onye Onyemaechi

Onye Onyemaechi was born to parents from two different tribes in southeast Nigeria. He came to the United States as a teenager, living in a Catholic monastery, where he became a star athlete and successful student. Onye earned a BA in Fine Art and an MBA in International Business, all while sharing and promoting African music and traditional wisdom.

After overcoming great difficulties with the immigration system, he became a U.S. citizen and built a long career as an educator and mentor throughout the U.S. and Europe. He has taught at schools, universities, conferences, museums, libraries, hospitals, correctional agencies, and corporations. He is the father of a biracial daughter and son.

Get Involved

Coordinate or Promote This Program

Biracial and adoptive parents, social agencies, and community organizations are welcome to schedule a circle gathering. Meetings are customized for your participants.