Tell Them Who We Are

In South Central Los Angeles "children have children, join gangs, and deal drugs," and kill each other. "It's not even shocking anymore...it's an everyday thing." But not for the kids on the Laquieniean Drill Team and Drum Squad. A non-school affiliated award-winning group of inner-city black children and young adults between the ages of 4-19, the drill team is the brainchild (and lovechild) of founder and director Ida Harden. Winner of a CINE Golden Eagle, among other awards, producer/director Alexandria Levitt's Tell Them Who We Are is the inspirational, funny, and thought-provoking story of Harden's achievement from the team's formation in 1958 to the present day. For these children who live in a world of constant uncertainty, she is a tangible presence with solid dimensions--she fights for her kids, she loves her kids, and she treats them fairly if firmly. And they show that love and respect in their electrifying performances--butts and elbows flying all over the place with rhythm, soul, and joy. Thanks to Harden and assistant director Brenda Morgan these kids have enough self-confidence and self-discipline to envision a future for themselves, and their non-cynical approach to life is refreshing. As one of the young male drummers says: "when I do something from here [points to his heart], I'm going to get it back double." If only more of us thought the same. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)