Library invites kids to celebrate West African music

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A group of Central Ohio children got a taste of West African music, dancing and drumming on Friday.

The Columbus Metropolitan Library invited kids aged 7-11 to celebrate African history, unity and culture Friday morning at its Hilliard branch.

The call and response event invited local West African artist and performer BabaaRitah Clark to lead the group of children.

She began the program with affirmations, inviting participants to repeat "I like to play the drums today," which Clark says is her mantra for events like this.

Clark said her goal is to connect children with music and each other, and even attending parents joined in the music. She is also the founder of an all-women's drum group, and has collaborated with the library in the past.

The event was part of a week-long program celebrating the library's summer reading program. From Monday through Saturday, kids of all ages were invited to learn with hands on activities, focused on everything from drumming cadences to learning about wolves. The final event is Saturday from noon to 1 p.m., where ages 7-11 can learn about bats hands-on, complete with a bat attendee.