“Are you feeling mad…excited….tired?”
These were the emotions being discussed in a small circle of urban youth earlier this week on Chicago’s North Side. All the students had a drum and instead of speaking what they felt, they were able to show how they felt. Some beat the drum hard and fast, communicating that their week was difficult or they were having problems with their friends. Some patted the surface gracefully demonstrating they were happy or possibly tired from the oppressive Chicago heat. A few gave specific stories of their families, friends or church communities.
Valerie Guerra, a current University of Chicago graduate student and accomplished musician in the band Milano, has been actively working on bringing music programs to immigrant and refugee families on Chicago’s northside. Mexico, Haiti and the Congo were just a few of the countries represented.
Spending the morning with Valerie was incredibly inspiring. Her passion and care is demonstrated %110. She constantly encourages her students to listen to one another and share openly about their lives. She teaches her students to speak boldly and sing loudly about issues that matter. Above anything else, Valerie wants her students to know they are valued and have a very special place in our society, no matter what cultural background they come from.
This type of work often goes unnoticed. We live in a global city rich in culture and diversity, yet it is easy to turn a blind eye to those who come from different parts of the world, who may in fact be struggling to adapt to this new city. The work at Family Matters and Valerie’s program, Musical Matters empowers our youngest members of society and is worth celebrating. It was truly and honor to witness what takes place on a daily basis.
When it was my turn to hit the drum, I started slow and then I began to rapidly find a beat. I was thrilled and inspired to observe a treasure of an organization and to hang with a music teacher who has a heart of gold.
