Drums up Guns Down 414

04/01/2026

Enrollment is officially open for Drums up Guns Down 414 Spring session! Our curriculum focuses on social-emotional development through the study and performance of traditional African rhythms.
By engaging with these ancestral sounds, participants develop the empathy, resilience, and self-awareness necessary for modern leadership. We are cultivating more than musicians; we are fostering emotionally intelligent leaders who carry their culture with pride.
Enroll your child today:

https://gformsapp.com/f/1zeVc13nKCorFQ93hcJ7fGLklFsHQJ-bOflapNuVBHq8/en/

BuildingLeaders CulturalAwareness PeaceInThe414 SEL

04/01/2026

Community leaders in Milwaukee are raising concerns about violence involving teens and calling for solutions.

04/01/2026

Enrollment is officially open for Drums up Guns Down 414 Spring session! Our curriculum focuses on social-emotional development through the study and performance of traditional African rhythms.
By engaging with these ancestral sounds, participants develop the empathy, resilience, and self-awareness necessary for modern leadership. We are cultivating more than musicians; we are fostering emotionally intelligent leaders who carry their culture with pride.
Enroll your child today:

https://gformsapp.com/f/1zeVc13nKCorFQ93hcJ7fGLklFsHQJ-bOflapNuVBHq8/en/

BuildingLeaders

03/25/2026

03/20/2026

Don’t miss Sweet Sounds - An MPL Signature Event at Milwaukee Public Library’s Villard Square Branch on Saturday, March 21, 12-4 p.m. Featuring DJ Fuzzy Logic, line dancing with Soulful Liners of Milwaukee, a performance by Miss Wisconsin 2025 Willow Newell, and an electrifying finale from Drums Up Guns Down 414, instruments, face painting, and more.

Free and open to all ages. More info: mpl.org/SweetSounds

02/21/2026

02/18/2026

Many been asking for the link to vote for me — here it is 🙏🏾

The Milwaukee Arts Board is accepting nominations for the Mildred L. Harpole Artist of the Year Award, and I’d be honored to have your support. This recognition reflects the work we’ve been doing together through DUGD414 to uplift our youth and community through culture and the arts.

🗳️ Nominate here: https://milwaukee.gov/MAB

Nominations close April 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Appreciate y’all always showing love — let’s keep building

02/11/2026

the honor of starting my day today supporting one of my Drums up Guns Down 414 children at his school for Black History Month.

Moments like this remind me why I do this work. These aren’t my children by blood, but they are my children by purpose, culture, and heart. Showing up for them is about more than drums — it’s about letting them know they’re seen, celebrated, and backed by a whole village.

Every time we stand beside our youth, we pour confidence into them and pride into who they are. And today, I’m grateful to be part of that journey.

This is what showing up looks like. And I’ll keep doing it every chance I get.

01/31/2026

Happy Black History Month.
Happy Aquarius Season ♒️
Happy Month of Love 💛

Time celebration!!! 🎉

Another year around the sun ♒️ — celebrating my earthday 🌍
Another reason to be in good energy with good people.

I’m kicking off Black History Month the way I know how—through movement, rhythm, and real connection, while showing support for the upliftment of West African drum and dance culture here in Milwaukee. No agendas. No extra. Just space to be Black, free, and present.

I’m deeply grateful for my sis in the arts, Sylla from Chicago, for coming through, sharing her gifts, and helping me celebrate while uplifting the culture in real time.
Milwaukee African dance community show up, be present, and pour into this moment—because this culture stays alive when we support each other.
Pull up, move a little, drum a little, vibe a little, laugh a little, and just exist together.

📅 Friday, Feb 6
📍 King Hall | Milwaukee
🕡 6:30–8 class
🎶 8–11 Bantaba
💵 $10
🍹 Bar open at 8

If you’re supposed to be there, you’ll feel it.
If not, love is still love.

— Oju