Drumming in the Park

words and photos by Flex Mathews

So there are a very few things that are quote and unquote “Awthentic DC”, but that is not the case for the Drum Circle at Malcolm X Park which is actually Meridian Park. The word on the street is the circle that started the same week that Malcolm was assassinated in 1965. The Drum Circle at Malcolm X Park has been going strong for over 50 years coming to life in the 1970s. It officially marks the start of summer for a lot of DC residents, including myself. The vibe and energy are incredible, to say the least. There is always 20 or drummer, several auxiliary percussionists, beautiful African dance, families watching, children playing, picnics happening, and more importantly, love. I’ve been going to the drum circle for over 20 years and I’ve never experienced a negative vibe there. Though the circle was by black people, it is not exclusive to black people. The different ethnicities of the players is one of the things you first notice about the circle. It is such a beautiful sight to behold.