River City Drumbeat

This is a touching, powerful documentary about a program that has empowered and educated generations of young Black musicians and students. Co-directors Flatté and Johnson beautifully capture the triumph of Nardie and Zambia's mission not only to teach kids how to play the drums but also to provide a cultural understanding of their heritage through African percussion. The program is more than a class or activity: It's a community that supports kids through and beyond their high school graduation, which is why the portions featuring Nardie's successor, Albert Shumake, are so poignant. Here's proof that being seen, acknowledged, and encouraged as a child can be hugely influential. And seeing how the program continues to shape the lives of Black high schoolers, many of whom take their drumming skills to drum lines at historically Black colleges and universities, is incredibly heartwarming.

The filmmakers don't shy away from sadder aspects of Nardie's journey. Much of River City Drumbeat is a tribute to his late wife, who died of cancer. There's also an upsetting, emotional retelling of how Nardie and Zambia's granddaughter was killed after getting involved in a retaliatory gang shooting. It's heartbreaking to watch Nardie, who's helped so many children, discuss the guilt of not being able to do the same for his own granddaughter. But there are far greater moments of joy as both current and former students thank the group for instilling in them a sense of purpose, an appreciation of African culture, and a structure that helped them succeed both in and out of school.