RCDC is far more than just a musical entertainment group; it is an organization that provides its members with a blueprint for success in life.
Not only does each young drummer make their drum from recycled materials, members learn to manage all aspects of their performance schedule! Students actively build skills needed for personal, academic, and social success. They are responsible for scheduling, performance itinerary, and ensuring effective communications between staff, students, and venue contact.
ABOUT RIVER CITY DRUM CORP.
The Program
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River City Drum Corp teaches children ages 5-18, with family and community playing an integral part. The program's cultural philosophy is based on the Nguzo Saba (7 principles of Kwanzaa) and is the primary support structure for the children's efforts. RCDC celebrates diversity within the community; therefore, children from all ethnicities and religious backgrounds can be part of the Drum Corp family.
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Our overall success results from the commitment of participants, immediate/extended families, and program and community volunteers to function as one unit—a true extended family. Each entity's commitment plays a distinct role in developing and nurturing youth participants. RCDC has established numerous satellite drumming and arts programs in Louisville Metro over the past two decades. Some of those sites include King and Wheatley Elementary Schools, Farnsley Middle School, Brooklawn Youth Services, Nativity Academy, Americana Drum Corp, Shawnee Cultural Arts Center, and numerous churches and community centers.
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We have performed in countless local, regional, and national venues and sponsored four annual performances. One is the much well-known and anticipated, Annual Da’Ville Classic (an official Kentucky Derby Festival Event). We partner and collaborate on these events with professional and community-based organizations to create unique and engaging performances that strive to expose our audiences to the potential of children and the drum.
River City Drumbeat Movie
Edward “Nardie” White
Ed "Nardie" White, Founder and Executive Director of Louisville's River City Drum Corp, is a pillar in Louisville, KY, especially regarding educating youth and participating in community activism. In 1991, he and his wife —the late Zambia Nkrumah— started the River City Drum Corp, a West Louisville nonprofit arts and education-based program for at-risk youth and families.
He didn't stop at his west-end campus; he also implemented the "Spirit of the Drum" in area schools such as Wheatley; Maupin; King; Roosevelt Perry; Hazelwood; Cane Run Elementary Schools; Farnsley; Nativity Middle Schools; Brooklawn; Immaculate Heart of Mary Church; Louisville Youth Detention Center; Paducah, KY; Bloundstown, FL; and Lake Charles, LA.
Nardie knows that making music can build bridges among people of diverse backgrounds, and he teaches and practices the path to greatness. He has been recognized by the Governor (Arts Folk Heritage Award), the Mayor (Louisville KY Freedom Award), the City of Louisville (Youth Service Workers Award), and several other notable organizations (Black Achiever of the Year, KY Center ArtsReach Living the Vision Award, KY Human Rights Commission's Executive Directors Award, National Education Association, United States Artist Fellows Music, Changing Lives Award and the National Council of Negro Women's Courage Award.) He's an active member of Leadership Louisville and sits on the KY Arts Council Board and the Arts Coalition of Louisville.
Ed White has been the director of RCDC's Da'Ville Classic Drum Corp Showcase for the past ten years. His passion and expertise have helped youth receive scholarships to area HBCUs. Ed "Nardie" White’s legacy of the "Spirit of the Drum" will continue on with the graduates of the program now taking the helm.
Zambia
Zambia was a teacher, artist, storyteller, mother, world traveler, and cultural ambassador who came through this world, fulfilling her purpose to serve all people, regardless of economic status, color, religion, gender, nationality, and sexual orientation. Her mission was driven by lifelong impressions, lessons, connections, and services established by her personal and spiritual connections to the community. She stressed the importance of education by focusing on culture, academic achievement, and African American history.
Zambia was the educational director of River City Drum Corp for more than 15 years. She taught for Jefferson County Public Schools for 27 years. River City Drum Corp's annual Living the Legacy black tie awards banquet has become the event where we honor the life and legacy of our heartbeat, Zambia Nkrumah.
Her efforts enriched and catalyzed RCDC's greater goal to enhance the educational, spiritual, and cultural endeavors of all who would come under her tutelage. To be in Zambia's presence and on the receiving end of her life's purpose would be for you to channel the power of your success.
Recognition & Appreciation
The River City Drum Corp of Kentucky would like to recognize Alfred Gerriets II, Founder of the Alfred Gerriets Hope Initiative. Your generosity and concern for continuing arts education in West Louisville are greatly appreciated. Your spirit and humbleness have inspired and motivated many to keep fighting the good fight, no matter the challenge. Thank you for supporting over 25 years of artistic excellence in West Louisville.